Books are just too much fun. They educate, they intrigue, they help us dream. Rob and I LOVE books, and are always reading something or other about our favorite topic: Durian! Here are some books that we’ve found interesting, useful or both on our continued journey with the King of Fruit.
What I’m Reading Now: Garden Islands of the East by David Fairchild
What I’m Reading Now: Garden Islands of the East by David Fairchild
On the recommendation of Florida fruit hunter Noel, this
month I read “Gardens of the East Indies” by David Fairchild.
Fairchild was a pivotal figure in American agriculture. A fruit hunter in
the early 1900’s for the USDA, Fairchild’s job was to go out to
tropical nations and find plants with commercial promise and bring
them back to America. Without his adventuring spirit, we wouldn’t
have mangoes, avocados, nectarines, dates, or even cherries in the USA.
month I read “Gardens of the East Indies” by David Fairchild.
Fairchild was a pivotal figure in American agriculture. A fruit hunter in
the early 1900’s for the USDA, Fairchild’s job was to go out to
tropical nations and find plants with commercial promise and bring
them back to America. Without his adventuring spirit, we wouldn’t
have mangoes, avocados, nectarines, dates, or even cherries in the USA.
In Gardens of the East Indies, an elderly Fairchild and his wife
embark on an ocean voyage through the Malay Archipelago shortly
before World War II breaks out in the Pacific. I was honestly a bit skeptical that this book could be anything
but a rather dry, dated travelogue with a lot of plant names. Noel, I am sorry to have doubted you. This books was
fascinating, and an easy read.
I definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Alfred Russel Wallace or enjoys plant-themed travel stories.
embark on an ocean voyage through the Malay Archipelago shortly
before World War II breaks out in the Pacific. I was honestly a bit skeptical that this book could be anything
but a rather dry, dated travelogue with a lot of plant names. Noel, I am sorry to have doubted you. This books was
fascinating, and an easy read.
I definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Alfred Russel Wallace or enjoys plant-themed travel stories.
