Reviews

In this extensively researched work, Smith (Patenting the Sun: Polio and the Salk Vaccine) explores Luther Burbank and the world of plant breeding in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From 1873 to 1925, Burbank created over 800 new varieties of fruits, vegetables, flowers, nuts, and grains, making him a celebrity of his time. Smith covers his early life and then his move to California, where he continued his plant-breeding experiments after early success with the potato. Later in life, Burbank found his intuitive approach to plant breeding at odds with the more scientific methods employed by others, who were beginning to incorporate Mendel's discoveries in their work. Smith frames Burbank's life and work with the history of plant breeding, the science involved, and the issues surrounding the lack of patent protection for newly created varieties of plants, which often didn't make their creator any money after years of work. Illustrated with memorabilia, this portrait of a self-made man and his times is recommended for all readers.-Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove P.L., IL Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.