About the book
Exploring the history and importance of corn worldwide, Arturo Warman traces its development from a New World food of poor and despised peoples into a commodity that plays a major role in the modern global economy.
The book, first published in Mexico in 1988, combines approaches from anthropology, social history, and political economy to tell the story of corn, a “botanical bastard” of unclear origins that cannot reseed itself and is instead dependent on agriculture for propagation. Beginning in the Americas, Warman depicts corn as colonizer. Disparaged by the conquistadors, this Native American staple was embraced by the destitute of the Old World. In time, corn spread across the globe as a prodigious food source for both humans and livestock. Warman also reveals corn’s role in nourishing the African slave trade.
Through the history of one plant with enormous economic importance, Warman investigates large-scale social and economic processes, looking at the role of foodstuffs in the competition between nations and the perpetuation of inequalities between rich and poor states in the world market. Praising corn’s almost unlimited potential for future use as an intensified source of starch, sugar, and alcohol, Warman also comments on some of the problems he foresees for large-scale, technology-dependent monocrop agriculture.
Editions of Corn and Capitalism
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807827666
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807854372
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807863251
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890871404
Read an Excerpt
Exploring the history and importance of corn worldwide, Arturo Warman traces its development from a New World food of poor and despised peoples into a commodity that plays a major role in the modern global economy.
The book, first published in Mexico in 1988, combines approaches from anthropology, social history, and political economy to tell the story of corn, a “botanical bastard” of unclear origins that cannot reseed itself and is instead dependent on agriculture for propagation. Beginning in the Americas, Warman depicts corn as colonizer. Disparaged by the conquistadors, this Native American staple was embraced by the destitute of the Old World. In time, corn spread across the globe as a prodigious food source for both humans and livestock. Warman also reveals corn’s role in nourishing the African slave trade.
Through the history of one plant with enormous economic importance, Warman investigates large-scale social and economic processes, looking at the role of foodstuffs in the competition between nations and the perpetuation of inequalities between rich and poor states in the world market. Praising corn’s almost unlimited potential for future use as an intensified source of starch, sugar, and alcohol, Warman also comments on some of the problems he foresees for large-scale, technology-dependent monocrop agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Corn and Capitalism about?
Exploring the history and importance of corn worldwide, Arturo Warman traces its development from a New World food of poor and despised peoples into a commodity that plays a major role in the modern global economy.
The book, first published in Mexico in 1988, combines approaches from anthropology, social history, and political economy to tell the story of corn, a “botanical bastard” of unclear origins that cannot reseed itself and is instead dependent on agriculture for propagation. Beginning in the Americas, Warman depicts corn as colonizer. Disparaged by the conquistadors, this Native American staple was embraced by the destitute of the Old World. In time, corn spread across the globe as a prodigious food source for both humans and livestock. Warman also reveals corn’s role in nourishing the African slave trade.
Through the history of one plant with enormous economic importance, Warman investigates large-scale social and economic processes, looking at the role of foodstuffs in the competition between nations and the perpetuation of inequalities between rich and poor states in the world market. Praising corn’s almost unlimited potential for future use as an intensified source of starch, sugar, and alcohol, Warman also comments on some of the problems he foresees for large-scale, technology-dependent monocrop agriculture.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Corn and Capitalism?
History and Archaeology > History > General and world history
Where can I read a sample of Corn and Capitalism?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807827666
How long is Corn and Capitalism and how many pages does it have?
Corn and Capitalism has 288 page(s)
Is Corn and Capitalism part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Latin America in Translation/en Traducción/em Tradução
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Corn and Capitalism?
Arturo Warman
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Corn and Capitalism is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807827666) and paperback(ISBN 9780807854372) and ebook(ISBN 9780807863251) and pdf(ISBN 9798890871404)
Where can I buy Corn and Capitalism online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Corn and Capitalism from below
Where can I buy Corn and Capitalism?