Review by Choice Review
Krishna (ret., International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, India) attempts to synthesize cropping history and management for global prairie systems converted to agricultural landscapes. It is an ambitious but unsuccessful effort for many reasons. Based on the style and grammatical errors, the work could not have undergone significant editorial review by either the author or the publisher. The breadth of coverage is so great that the narrative tends to be superficial; in areas outside Krishna's expertise, it is often factually incorrect. This is partly explained by Krishna's reliance on Wikipedia as a primary source. The narrative itself has no consistency or flow. Minor asides and opinions interrupt the train of exposition, and there is no uniformity in topics covered for each landscape. Far too frequently, the tables contain inadequate and only marginally useful information. Considerable data are presented about crop yield and national production for various grain crops, but to what end, when that data may contradict textual statements? The historical overview in chapter 1 is simplistic, if not outright inaccurate. After six chapters devoted to the extent and prospects for grain crop production, the final chapter suddenly advocates a complete transformation of cropping and eating behavior. Summing Up: Not recommended. --Mark Steven Coyne, University of Kentucky
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
