Chocolate Tree: A Natural History of Cacao.

Washington DC Smithsonian Institution Press, 1994. Hardcover First Edition; First Printing indicated. First Edition; First Printing indicated. Near Fine in Near Fine DJ: Both book and DJ show only very minor indications of use. Book shows very light shelf wear, but no obvious damage; the binding shows barely discernible lean, but remains perfectly secure; text clean. DJ shows only mild rubbing; mylar-protected. Overall, very close to 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 8vo. 200pp., with 15 colour and some b/w photos. (Smithsonian Nature Books). Hardback with DJ. This book is very aptly titled. It is exactly a natural history of the cocoa tree, a biography of a plant. I've never read a book quite like this before- -an entire book written about the detailed life cycle, evolution, and economic uses of a single plant. Although the book covers all aspects of the cocoa tree, it does emphasize the author's research on the pollinators of the cocoa tree. It was fascinating to learn how difficult it is to cultivate this rain forest plant commercially, and the science behind why it is difficult to do so. The book is written in an academic style with many citations to the published literature on the cocoa tree. The book also includes a listing of common names and scientific names for all plants and animals mentioned in the text. Despite the academic bent, the book is written for general audiences, and is not too technical. Anyone with a deep interest in the cultivation of cocoa will be interested in this book, as well as anyone with a general interest in the botany of the tropical rainforest.