Kulturgeschichte der Nutzpflanzen, Band IV, 2. Hälfte

In this richly illustrated volume, a scholar traces the ways humanity has turned the wild world of plants into essential resources. Beginning with the domestication of grain and moving through early animal feed, the text explains how simple field crops laid the groundwork for entire economies. The author blends scientific detail with cultural anecdotes, showing how climate, trade routes, and local traditions shaped each plant's journey from seed to staple.

The second half widens the focus to include fibers like cotton, luxurious materials such as silk and rubber, and the colorful world of dyes, resins, and fragrant oils. Readers encounter vivid plates of tropical palms, detailed diagrams of processing techniques, and stories of how medicines and ornamental gardens reflected societal values. Though rooted in early twentieth‑century scholarship, the work remains a lucid guide to the interconnected history of agriculture, industry, and everyday life.