{"title":"Fred Gray","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the intriguing works of Fred Gray, a distinguished author celebrated for his compelling contributions to the Science \u0026amp; Nature genre. Known for his ability to distil complex scientific concepts into engaging narratives, Gray invites readers into a world where nature's wonders are illuminated with clarity and insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of his standout works, \u003cem\u003ePalm\u003c\/em\u003e, offers an in-depth exploration of palm trees, unveiling their fascinating role in ecosystems and their historical significance across cultures. It's a perfect read for anyone intrigued by the intersection of nature, history, and science.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFred Gray's books are a must-read for anyone passionate about understanding the natural world. His approachable writing style makes scientific knowledge accessible and enjoyable for both casual readers and enthusiasts alike. Dive into his collection to expand your horizons and enrich your understanding of the beauty that lies in the details of our natural surroundings.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"palm-by-fred-gray-9781780239170","title":"Palm","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe extraordinary palm: diverse, prolific, essential, symbolic, and often sacred, exotic—and at times erotic—exploited and controversial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe signature plant of the tropics and subtropics, these record-breaking botanicals produce the world's biggest and heaviest seed, the longest leaf, and the longest stem. Over thousands of years, palms sustained rainforest communities and were bound up with the development of ancient civilisations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey gained mystical and religious meanings and became a plant of abstractions and fantasies, a symbol of being at leisure, away from civilisation and closer to nature—and at times of danger and devastation. In the nineteenth century, capitalism used palm products to lubricate industry and cleanse empires. Iconic palm houses put on show this exceptional vegetative performer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFar from its natural homelands, it nowadays clothes and glamorises an astonishing diversity of landscapes. Today, oils from palms are consumed daily by millions of people worldwide. The plant is embedded in modern consumer societies but mired in environmental controversy over the destruction of rainforests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePalm\u003c\/em\u003e, Fred Gray portrays the cultural and historical significance of this iconic and controversial plant over thousands of years. Superbly illustrated, this lively and engaging book is the first of its kind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854739427564,"sku":"9781780239170","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/635cae7683817ffdae406148c46a3ff4.jpg?v=1759265660"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/fred-gray.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}