by Bill Laws. Not for nothing are amber waves of grain celebrated in our national anthem, but set aside the iconic imagery, and the fact still remains that fields of oats, wheat, rice, and corn have sustained the world's great civilizations since time began. Yet how, when, and why this agricultural phenomenon and landscape paragon came into being has been both a source of mystery for archaeologists and fount of inspiration for artists who recognize and celebrate the importance and beauty of fields. From rice paddies in Asia to sheep meadows in Australia, from Mideastern olive groves to Midwestern corn fields, nearly 40 percent of the earth's surface is covered with crop fields that feed the human population and fuel its productivity. Exploring the history of today's modern farm fields, examining the impact of environmental threats, and mapping the future of field management, Laws' unique, succinct yet comprehensive resource celebrates the folklore and chronicles the flora and fauna that comprise the stunning variety of field habitats across the globe. --Booklist. (Check Catalog)
