Plants seldom figure in the grand narratives of war; peace; or even everyday life yet they are often at the center of high intrigue. In the eighteenth century; epic scientific voyages were sponsored by European imperial powers to explore the natural riches of the New World; and uncover the botanical secrets of its people. Bioprospectors brought back medicines; luxuries; and staples for their king and country. Risking their lives to discover exotic plants; these daredevil explorers joined with their sponsors to create a global culture of botany. But some secrets were unearthed only to be lost again. In this moving account of the abuses of indigenous Caribbean people and African slaves; Schiebinger describes how slave women brewed the "peacock flower" into an abortifacient; to ensure that they would bear no children into oppression. Yet; impeded by trade winds of prevailing opinion; knowledge of West Indian abortifacients never flowed into Europe. A rich history of discovery and loss; Plants and Empire explores the movement; triumph; and extinction of knowledge in the course of encounters between Europeans and the Caribbean populations.
#4669510 in Books 2000-09-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .83 x 6.29 x 9.27l; #File Name: 0674003055240 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Fascinating Insight into SlaveryBy B. P. WalkerFanny Kemble provides us with a unique and courageous account of the 'peculiar institution' that was thrust upon her by her marriage to Pierce Butler; the wealthy scion of a Southern plantation owner. Already a celebrated actress when she came to America; Fanny was well-educated and accustomed to earning her own living when she married Pierce. It was only after traveling from Philadelphia to Butler Island; near Darien; Georgia; that she became aware of the full horror and degradation of slavery. She toured the plantation; helped to nurse the sick; did what she could to improve their conditions; and opened her door to all who dared to air their grievances; much to the dismay of her husband. Eventually; their disagreements on these points led to a divorce; and Fanny returned to Europe where she resumed her theatrical career. This volume also contains Fanny's letters to friends and confidants that provide a valuable insight into the cultural climate in England as well as America for much of the 19th century. These journals and letters are not only entertaining; but a must for any serious student of American history.20 of 20 people found the following review helpful. Fanny Kemble's JournalsBy rebuggingI was attracted to this book after I saw the movie; Enslavement; based on the life of Fanny Kemble who lived before; during and after the Civil War. This book uses exerpts from her letters and journals to tell the story of her adult life; but it does not contain all of her written material. She published several journals; letter collectiions; and plays. Fanny was a remarkable woman; obviously much before her time. She was unusually independent and energenic; and her writing includes few of the steriotypes typical of the period. However; we are able to see how the customs of society restricted her ability to act; especilly her efforts to help eliminate slavery and improve the life of her husband's slaves. Because of her popularity as an actress she was able to earn a living after divorcing her husband; but he had control over their children until they reached adulthood. This book gives unusual insight into the lifestyles and concerns of the period. It actually reads like a novel.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Eyewitness Expose of SlaveryBy RLHEXCELLENT book!!! Ms. Kemble was an English lady averse to slavery who found herself mistress of a plantation. Graphic details of what really went on during the 1830's on a South Carolina rice plantation. Ranks up there with Mary Chesnut's Diary!!
