1493 FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

In this sweeping world history, Mann chronicles the spread of globalization, examining the mingling of the world’s ecosystems through travel, trade, colonization, conquest, and migration, from its beginnings in the 15th century to its continued impact in the present day.

Adapted by Stefoff for teen audiences, this riveting account shows how the complex, interconnected economic and environmental consequences of the European "discovery" of the Americas shaped many unexpected aspects of the modern world. The collision of unfamiliar flora, fauna, and microbes produced unforeseen wealth, conflict, exploitation, disease, misery, and social upheaval. Mann examines such fascinating subjects as the connections between malaria and slavery, how silver mined in Bolivia funded economic development in rural China and wars waged by the Spanish empire, how the rubber plant enabled industrialization, and how the potato plant fed millions of Europe’s poor for centuries and then caused the deaths of millions. All of these fascinating stories are woven together in a clear, compelling narrative. The complex subject matter is impressively handled with deftness and wit.

A provocative, gripping account.