From plant to T-shirt, this intriguing new book follows the history of this natural fiber from its earliest beginnings in Pakistan and Peru to its world-wide use today. Color photos and maps describe the plant itself as well as where and how it is produced. Historic black and white images help tell the real story of the early cotton trade highlighting slavery, child labor, and the manufacturing process. Other topics include - What is a commodity? - how cotton was used in the Ancient world - the history of cotton use and the textile industry - new technologies created to harvest cotton, and their effects on the rest of society - the lives of people on plantations, in the cotton fields, and in Mill Towns - cotton manufacturing around the world Teacher's guide available.