The Food Explorer by Daniel Stone details the life of David Fairchild, born in 1869, who revolutionized American agriculture by introducing diverse crops. Raised in Kansas and inspired by international scholars, he pursued his passion for plants at the USDA, traveling the globe with sponsor Barbour Lathrop. They brought avocados, mangoes, and other exotic plants to the U.S., significantly enriching American agriculture. Note: The book contains accounts of political espionage accusations and health risks like typhoid fever.

Informative

Adventurous

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.2

4,053 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

The Food Explorer by Daniel Stone has been praised for its engaging narrative and rich historical detail, providing an engrossing account of David Fairchild's botanical adventures. Critics appreciate the vivid storytelling and insightful exploration of agricultural innovation. However, some find the pacing uneven, with occasional overemphasis on minor details. Overall, it offers an enlightening and entertaining read.

Who Should Read The Food Explorer?

Ideal for readers fascinated by culinary history, adventurous exploration, and agricultural innovation, The Food Explorer by Daniel Stone appeals to fans of Michael Pollan's The Botany of Desire and Mark Kurlansky's Salt. It delves into the life of the intrepid botanist David Fairchild, intertwining biography with global food discoveries.

4.2

4,053 ratings

75%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Food Explorer explores the incredible adventures of David Fairchild, a late 19th-century botanist who helped introduce many exotic crops to the United States, fundamentally transforming American agriculture and diets.

Fairchild's global explorations, depicted in The Food Explorer, led to the introduction of now-common foods like avocados, mangoes, and cherries to American soil, revolutionizing the country's culinary landscape.

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Daniel Stone, in The Food Explorer, highlights Fairchild's innovative methods and partnerships in plant hunting, including his collaboration with high-profile horticulturists and notable figures of his time to cultivate and popularize new crops.

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Book Details

Pages

416

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Genre

Creative Nonfiction

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Travel Literature

•

Biography

Setting