The Biography of Bananas reveals the murky past and uncertain future of the tasty banana. Almost unknown in North America before the 1870s, bananas quickly became a popular fruit with a rocky history. Colorful photographs and maps help explain who grows your bananas, how they are harvested, and why the banana may soon become extinct. Other topics include - What is a commodity? - the spread of bananas through trade routes - where and how bananas are grown - the growth of the banana plantations and banana republics - technical and genetic improvements to the banana, including new varieties - environmental issues such as land use and pesticides - why bananas are becoming extinct Teacher's guide available.