“A cracking read. . . . This isn’t just a book about seeds or food systems; it’s an inspiring nudge to get stuck into the joys of gardening while understanding the bigger picture. A proper gem for anyone keen to connect their love of growing with the wider world of growing.”—Rob Smith, author of Grow to Eat
“There can be few tasks more important than offering us a glimpse at how our broken food system might be reimagined, from the ground up: as ever, Adam does this brilliantly. A special, important book of hope, action and integrity.”—Mark Diacono, food and garden writer
“This is a fascinating insight into the world of breeding, growing and the preservation of endangered fruit, vegetables and cereals around the world. Adam takes us to far-flung places, and we are introduced to some remarkable people whose passion for their own local food culture champions traditional varieties while also breeding new ones. . . . I loved this book and enjoyed the nice, short, easily digestible chapters, perfect for dipping into at your leisure – although I felt compelled to keep reading!”—Advolly Richmond, plant and garden historian; author of A Short History of Flowers
“Adam explores plant diversity in food production, past and present, and scrutinises future implications for food security. He skilfully distils a complex subject into clear, accessible concepts, travelling through countries and meeting scientists to untangle the political and commercial influences at play. Educational, inspiring and motivational, The Accidental Seed Heroes illustrates how, as individual gardeners, we have a role to play in fostering both local and global resilience in the food supply system.”—Sue Kent, TV presenter; author of Garden Notes
“After reading Adam’s book, I won’t look at a handful of seed the same way again! A fascinating and enlightening read, beautifully told. The Accidental Seed Heroes delves into the history of breeding and how we ended up with seed superpowers dominating what we grow and eat. It then takes us on a journey of sustainability, resourcefulness, resilience and the expertise of the growers at the cutting edge. With everything that’s currently going on in the world politically and environmentally, this book feels particularly relevant.”—Joe Swift, garden designer; writer; presenter, BBC’s Gardener’s World
“From the moment you turn the first page, Adam invites you on a spellbinding journey around the globe, offering a unique perspective on food security and the critical role of seed saving. . . The narrative is immersive, and Adam’s writing style imbues the scientific topic with a gentle, almost romantic air. If you’re someone who has never considered saving seeds before, Adam will undoubtedly change your perspective.”—August Bernstein, head tutor, Raymond Blanc Gardening School
“What a timely and fascinating book this is. Adam Alexander has created an extremely important work that adds to the library of not only plant breeders but all gardeners and farmers. In truth, everyone should seek a deeper understanding of the origins of the foods we eat and the challenges to be faced in the future, and this book perfectly serves that purpose.”—Craig LeHoullier, author of Epic Tomatoes; co-lead, Dwarf Tomato Project
“[A] delicious travelogue. . . .Those interested in enriching their cuisine will draw inspiration from Adam’s journeys and discoveries. Those drawn to the seed arts (growing, saving, selecting, multiplying and breeding) will be fascinated by the variety of available techniques, from the ancient wisdom of indigenous cultures to the most modern genomics and how the complex interactions between these varied models are impacting our food supply.”—C.R. Lawn, founder, Fedco Seeds
“This is a really enjoyable book that should appeal to anyone who eats. Adam Alexander does a great job of explaining the problems with our current food system and how it’s providing us with bland, identikit vegetables and cereals. But, more importantly, he introduces and celebrates people across the world who are stewarding and developing the seeds that could form the basis of a better, fairer and tastier way to eat for all of us.”—Kate McEvoy, co-founder, Real Seeds
“In this riveting book, Adam Alexander points to the glories, creativity, fun and failures of the world’s plant breeders. We meet thousands of seed Davids sidestepping the seed Goliaths. We salute scientists who believe seeds are public, not private, property. We go to highlands and lowlands in countless countries meeting the frontline seed savers, unsung heroes of diversity, on whom our future food depends. His erudition and excitement are palpable as he shares what they, we and he can grow and develop. This is a hymn to the joys of planting and developing seeds for the common good. You’ll look at seed packets differently after reading this book.”—Tim Lang, professor emeritus of food policy, City St George’s, University of London
“There is something about popular science books that can enchant me, and this one certainly does. The mixture of quite complicated concepts and real-life experiences is captivating. It is wonderful to be shown by Adam the importance of seed, local varieties and some of my favourite vegetables (and grains), and to be taken on stories from across the world and his own back garden. A beautiful book telling an important story.”—Bruce Pearce, director of science, Garden Organic
“Whether you’re a seasoned grower, a food systems advocate or simply a curious reader concerned about the future of what we eat, The Accidental Seed Heroes will inspire, educate and move you. It’s not just a book about seeds – it’s a manifesto for food sovereignty, biodiversity and ecological justice.”—Sustainable Food Trust
QUICK VIEW
