Nina Edwards' "Weeds" delves into the multifaceted history of these often-maligned plants. The book explores how perceptions of weeds have shifted across cultures and time periods, influenced by factors such as agricultural practices, medicinal uses, and cultural symbolism. Edwards examines the complex relationship between humans and weeds, highlighting the ambiguity surrounding their definition and significance. The book also touches upon the surprising ways in which weeds have been utilized throughout history, from medicinal purposes to artistic representations. Ultimately, "Weeds" challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of these ubiquitous plants.
To most of us, weeds can seem nothing more than intruders in gardens, farms and city streets. But the idea of the weed is a slippery one, constantly changing according to different needs, fashions and contexts. In a well-ordered field of corn, a scarlet poppy is a bright red intruder, but in other parts of the world it is an important cultural symbol, a potent and lucrative pharmaceutical source, or simply a beautiful ornament. Fat hen, which today we consider a pest, was in Neolithic times a staple crop, its seeds an important source of nutrition. Weeds (Reaktion, 2024) by Nina Edwards sketches the history of the fashions and attitudes that have shaped our fields and gardens, showing that what we keep out of them is just as fascinating as what we put in.
This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars.
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New Books in Science, Technology, and Society