Linda K. (Alafair) reviewed Cotton: The Biography of a Revolutionary Fiber on + 45 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Like other books in this one-subject genre, "Cotton" enlightens the reader in every aspect of this fiber's history, economic impact and political intrigues. I enjoyed it very much. My only criticism is that, for me, it would have been a more interesting account if it had been written as a more linear timeline rather than looking at different aspects of cotton and skipping around the centuries. But, that's just my opinion. If you like books like this one, i.e., "Polio," "Salt," "Banana," etc., you'll enjoy reading "Cotton."
This is a a thorough and interesting history of how cotton revolutionized nations and society. It 's affect on how we dress and how we work is astounding. It is the fabric of the industrial revolution and of clothing and many conflicts within and between nations' However, I wish the author had left out his own political beliefs. They add no interest or facts to the story of cotton.
Thomas F. (hardtack) -
A fascinating look at a crop and product we take for granted. I was especially interested in the stories from cotton's history, and appalled by its current status in international trade disputes.
When we have to pour billions into trade subsidies to keep an industry alive, perhaps its time to move on to something else. When the freezes hit Florida in the 1980s, and the northern edge of that industry moved south, the agriculture industry---with the help of the UF College of Agriculture---began moving into very profitable minor crops.
Few people know Florida is now the major blueberry producer in the U.S., and my county, in north central Florida, leads Florida in blueberry production. And this is just one of many minor crops proving more valuable and more stable than citrus.
When we have to pour billions into trade subsidies to keep an industry alive, perhaps its time to move on to something else. When the freezes hit Florida in the 1980s, and the northern edge of that industry moved south, the agriculture industry---with the help of the UF College of Agriculture---began moving into very profitable minor crops.
Few people know Florida is now the major blueberry producer in the U.S., and my county, in north central Florida, leads Florida in blueberry production. And this is just one of many minor crops proving more valuable and more stable than citrus.
Great book, extremely informative. It's a bit long on details regarding the process of early cotton manufacturing, but is still fascinating. I would have liked some more comprehensive coverage of cotton's history in other parts of the world. There was some about cotton and the part it played in the independence movement in India, as well how third world economies are affected by the monopolistic practices of America's rice producers. It was published in 2015 so how things stand now as far as the effect of tariffs and the impact of China on the global market is something that I will have to look up.
