Purdue alumnus writes book on agriculture, world history
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Dec. 17, 2010 – Purdue alumnus Thomas R. Sinclair and his wife, Carol Janas Sinclair, collaborated to write the book “Bread, Beer & the Seeds of Change: Agriculture’s Imprint on World History.” The history of humankind is intimately tied to the history of agriculture: powerful societies rose, persisted and waned in parallel with their food supply systems. Describing what crops were grown, the constraints on their production, and the foods that were obtained, the book traces the impact of cropping and food preparation in 10 societies that were among the most powerful and influential in history, detailing how technology varied and developed as it related directly to agriculture and food production.
The book covers the background of agricultural development, early agricultural societies, and the advancement of technology from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the present. It concludes by addressing the implications for the future of agriculture and food supply as grain production moves towards biofuels. A compelling text for all those interested in the history of society and civilizations, global agriculture, and what it means for the future. This text is also an essential reference for students of agriculture, food technology, history and anthropology.
Sinclair is an international leader in Crop Science who has undertaken scientific research with cooperators on all continents. His research has covered a wide range of cropping issues included drought, fertility limitations, climate change, and biofuels. Sinclair was initiated by Delta in 1963.
Tom co-authored the book along with his wife, Carol Janas Sinclair, who has a lifetime interest in foods and nutrition. She has lived and traveled in many countries exploring local methods in food preparation and the cuisine of the countries. Exploration of historical approaches to food was a natural extension of this interest.
The book was published through Centre for Agricultural Bioscience International (CABI). To order “Bread, Beer & the Seeds of Change: Agriculture’s Impring on World History,” visit www.cabi.org or check your local bookstore.
