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Cotton: The Biography of a Revolutionary Fiber
Cotton The Biography of a Revolutionary Fiber
Author: Stephen Yafa
What do lipstick, gunpowder, crackers and paper money have in common? In a word, cotton -- at any given time practically everyone on Earth is wearing or using or eating something made with it. From its domestication 5,500 years ago to its vast control today over our government policies, this is the incredible story of the crop that spawned the I...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780143037224
ISBN-10: 0143037226
Publication Date: 6/27/2006
Pages: 416
Edition: Reprint
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 7

3.9 stars, based on 7 ratings
Publisher: Penguin
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
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Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Cotton: The Biography of a Revolutionary Fiber on + 45 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Like other books in this one-subject genre, "Cotton" enlightens the reader in every aspect of this fiber's history, economic impact and political intrigues. I enjoyed it very much. My only criticism is that, for me, it would have been a more interesting account if it had been written as a more linear timeline rather than looking at different aspects of cotton and skipping around the centuries. But, that's just my opinion. If you like books like this one, i.e., "Polio," "Salt," "Banana," etc., you'll enjoy reading "Cotton."
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hardtack avatar reviewed Cotton: The Biography of a Revolutionary Fiber on + 2686 more book reviews
A fascinating look at a crop and product we take for granted. I was especially interested in the stories from cotton's history, and appalled by its current status in international trade disputes.

When we have to pour billions into trade subsidies to keep an industry alive, perhaps its time to move on to something else. When the freezes hit Florida in the 1980s, and the northern edge of that industry moved south, the agriculture industry---with the help of the UF College of Agriculture---began moving into very profitable minor crops.

Few people know Florida is now the major blueberry producer in the U.S., and my county, in north central Florida, leads Florida in blueberry production. And this is just one of many minor crops proving more valuable and more stable than citrus.
reviewed Cotton: The Biography of a Revolutionary Fiber on + 8 more book reviews
This is a a thorough and interesting history of how cotton revolutionized nations and society. It 's affect on how we dress and how we work is astounding. It is the fabric of the industrial revolution and of clothing and many conflicts within and between nations' However, I wish the author had left out his own political beliefs. They add no interest or facts to the story of cotton.


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