Now in its second edition, Agriculture in World History presents a
unique exploration of farmers and farming, and their relationships to
non-farmers and urban societies from the ancient world to the 21st
century.
From its origins, civilization has depended on the food, fiber, and
other goods produced by farmers. This book illustrates how urban
societies both exploited and supported farmers, and together endured
economic and environmental crises. Viewing farmers as the crucial
interface between civilization and the natural world, Mark Tauger
examines the environmental changes, political and social
transformations, and scientific and technological developments in
farming. The second edition draws attention to the modern period,
particularly the effects of war, depression, and authoritarianism on
world agriculture, scientific advances and the problems they created,
increased international competition between countries with the expanding
role of corporations, the threats posed by climate change, and some of
agriculture's future prospects. Accessibly written and following a
chronological structure, the volume enables readers to easily gain a
foundational understanding of an important aspect of world history.
This survey will be an indispensable text for world history students and
for anyone interested in the historical development of the present
agricultural and food crises.
