This book invites readers on a sumptuously illustrated walk through the world garden. A rich introduction begins the book, revealing early agriculture and our 'green' future. Then an eight-chapter 'Food Directory' cameos individual plants, with readerfriendly layouts framing each entry's biography, botanical description, culinary role, and healing powers. In addition to the lively and authoritative narrative, "Edible" intrigues readers with layers of information: literary quotes, boxes on ancient origins of exotic foods, political underpinnings, nutritional values, longstanding remedies, and more. Tantalizing anecdotes dip into such diverse topics as the Japanese Cherry Festival; cacao, Mayan 'food of the gods'; and the 17th-century Nutmeg Wars, which determined New York's future. A glossary and index complete the book.