Have you ever wondered what fake news from Donald Trump combines with the communication of plants? Certainly not. But David Spencer makes an original comparison in his book “Root Empire”. He is concerned with the evolutionary similarities of plants and people. Above all, it awakens our dependence on the plants.
The doctor of plant biologist was awarded in 2022 for his work in science communication. In his book “Wurzelreich”, he explains the world of botany, underpinning with scientific studies. It is aimed at plant lovers, those interested in science and hobby biologists. And so basics are also explained that may still be known from school lessons, for example the Mendelian rules on the inheritance of characteristics.
David Spencer writes about the sophisticated tricks of the plants and what we can learn from them. For him, “diversity” is not a woker, but essential for our lives. Therefore, he campaigns that we “hoard the information, genetics (and) the advantages of the variety variety and be careful like a treasure”. Last but not least, the author emphasizes the importance of science and research – and good communication about their content. In any case, when reading his book, it is fun to delve into botanical science. Marlena Abril Wegner
David Spencer
Root -rich. About the common evolution of plant and human
Droemer Verlag, 256 pages, € 25, –
ISBN 978-3-426-44966-0