Book Review

This book tells the story of George Washington Carver as it was presented by several people who lived and worked with him throughout his career. It is based on fact and known events in his life.

Although this book is very old, I am reviewing it because it is responsible for instilling a love of agricultural biotechnology in my mother. It was required reading for some high schools in the 1960's, and after reading it, Dr. George Washington Carver became on of her greatest heroes. For that reason, I felt the book was worthy of consideration.

This tale of Dr. Carver, based on historical facts, is an interesting read for anyone who admires his work, but is aimed at children, making the language seem somewhat simple to the scientific mind. However, if you don't know much about the man, or his rise to fame from having been born into slavery just prior to the American Revolution, it's a quick, easy read. Although it's old, it is still available in the Toronto (Canada) Public Library, so you might also be able to get it in other major cities. If not, there are lots of other books about Dr. Carver, and I highly recommend his story to anyone.

Regardless of how it is presented, Dr. Carver's story is one of great innovation, integrity, perseverence and concern for the welfare of the earth and mankind. He was a pioneer in biotechnology, using peanuts and sweet potatoes to generate hundreds of household products. Although he never had to contend with issues of stem cell research or GMOs, Dr. Carver was a role model in how he put the science, integrity and people first, above commercialism and money. The bioethics debates of today could benefit from the input of more individuals like Carver, whose only concern was to improve the lot of the people struggling in the American south after the Civil War and, later, during the Great Depression.