William and Helen Bynum are historians of science and medicine and also have a particular interest in gardening and plants and their importance in human culture and society. They have written or edited numerous books, including Great Discoveries in Medicine and Botanical Sketches, both published by Thames & Hudson.
'This beautifully illustrated, insightful and well-pitched book will make the ideal gift for plant-obsessed readers' - The English Garden 'An accessible introduction to the field of economic botany … stands as a rewarding artefact in its own right, emanating the authors’ quintessentially human passion for plants and their uses' - Gardens Illustrated 'With 205 exquisite illustrations, this book is beautiful … From rice to rhubarb and aloe to indigo, these plants make life work. And this book is one you should buy' - The Field 'The book is blessed with the fine design and production values we expect from this publisher' - Daily Telegraph