Plants Go to War A Botanical History of World War II

“In this impressively researched exploration, esteemed ethnobotanist Sumner takes a scholarly yet totally accessible approach to the myriad ways plant materials were critical to both Allied and Axis war efforts. With balanced attention to domestic sacrifices and ingenuity, Sumner’s astonishing discoveries make this a fascinating read for botany buffs and those steeped in military history.”—Booklist “A unique blend of botanical and military history... Plants Go to War is an original and meticulous study that is as informed and informative as it is accessibly organized and reader friendly in presentation...recommended”—Midwest Book Review “[Sumner’s] research is exhaustive...authoritative and informative...destined to be a classic source on this topic”—The Herb Society of America “With the publication of [Sumner’s] wonderful new book, many more people will have the opportunity to learn about the extraordinary role plants played in history’s most widespread conflict. ...exceptionally well researched...Sumner has produced a classic work of ethnobotanical history. … The wealth of information is so well presented that the reader will likely visit its pages again and again.”—Herbal Gram “The comprehensive volume takes the story far beyond the victory gardens that perhaps immediately come to mind when discussing WWII and plants. Although this topic is addressed, the book spans across the European and Pacific theaters, touching Allies and Axis civilians and combatants.”—The Times of Israel “The first botanical history of World War II”—Southern Naturalist “In all our years of experience with books about Wold War II, never have we seen one quite like this...a big, serious study of the subject”—Stone & Stone “Plants Go to War is a reminder of how mankind still depends on the natural world—being only a harvest away from global starvation. …Sumner garners often obscure facts.”—BSBI News “excellent...Sumner wrote the book in an easily digestible manner...a fantastic and pleasurable read...recommended...Sumner has written this book in a manner that sparks a newfound appreciation for plants”—Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine “Copious endnotes…extensive bibliography…meticulously indexed…a must for libraries and research institutions of all kinds”—Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas “Sumner’s book is the first to bring together such a wide variety of subjects related to botanical plants and their uses…richly illustrated…Sumner has written important book, which will serve as a reference work for scholars working on food and botanical history, both during WWII and beyond. Combining her immense knowledge of plant sciences with history, she meticulously explains how plants affected all aspects of the war, even those not commonly associated with botany. As such, she has succeeded in her mission ‘to write an encyclopedic synthesis of civilian and military plant uses’—and misuses—during a defining period in modern history.”—Technology and Culture