Skip to content

The Thief at the End of the World: Rubber, Power, and the Seeds of Empire
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Thief at the End of the World: Rubber, Power, and the Seeds of Empire Paperback - 2009

by Jackson, Joe

  • Used

The amazing tale of one of history's most daring acts ofbiopiracy-and how it changed history

In this thrilling real-life account of bravery,greed, obsession, and ultimate betrayal, award-winning writer JoeJackson brings to life the story of fortune hunter Henry Wickhamand his collaboration with the empire that fueled, then abandonedhim. In 1876, Wickham smuggled 70,000 rubber tree seeds outof the rainforests of Brazil and delivered them to VictorianEngland's most prestigious scientists at Kew Gardens. The storyof how Wickham got his hands on those seeds-and the history-makingconsequences-is the stuff of legend. The Thief at the End ofthe World is an exciting true story of reckless courage and ambitionthat perfectly captures the essential nature of Great Britain's colonialadventure in South America.

Description

UsedGood. We flipped through this book and didn't notice any notes or underlines. The cover has visible markings and wear. There may be stickers or sticker residue on the cover. There is staining on the text block edges. Fast Shipping - Each order powers our free bookstore in Chicago and sending books to Africa!
UsedGood
NZ$8.28
NZ$6.63 Shipping to USA
Standard delivery: 3 to 12 days
More Shipping Options
Ships from Books4Cause Inc. (Illinois, United States)

Details

  • Title The Thief at the End of the World: Rubber, Power, and the Seeds of Empire
  • Author Jackson, Joe
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Condition UsedGood
  • Pages 432
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Adult Hc/Tr, E Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.A.
  • Date 2009-03-01
  • Features Bibliography, Glossary, Index, Price on Product - Canadian, Table of Contents
  • Bookseller's Inventory # 5D4XVM00004E_ns
  • ISBN 9780143114611 / 0143114611
  • Weight 0.78 lbs (0.35 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.38 x 5.48 x 0.97 in (21.29 x 13.92 x 2.46 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 19th Century
    • Chronological Period: 1851-1899
    • Cultural Region: British
    • Cultural Region: Latin America
  • Dewey Decimal Code 338.476

About Books4Cause Inc. Illinois, United States

Biblio member since 2020
Seller rating: This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.

We aim to please with better quality books than described and fast shipping. Please reach out if there are any issues.

Terms of Sale: 30 day return guarantee, with full refund including original shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.

Browse books from Books4Cause Inc.

Summary

The amazing tale of one of history's most daring acts of biopiracy-and how it changed history

In this thrilling real-life account of bravery, greed, obsession, and ultimate betrayal, award- winning writer Joe Jackson brings to life the story of fortune hunter Henry Wickham and his collaboration with the empire that fueled, then abandoned him. In 1876, Wickham smuggled 70,000 rubber tree seeds out of the rainforests of Brazil and delivered them to Victorian England's most prestigious scientists at Kew Gardens. The story of how Wickham got his hands on those seeds-and the history-making consequences-is the stuff of legend. The Thief at the End of the World is an exciting true story of reckless courage and ambition that perfectly captures the essential nature of Great Britain's colonial adventure in South America.

Categories

Media reviews

"Joe Jackson has written a compelling story of science and politics."
-The Dallas Morning News

"An exhilarating narrative, sweeping us through great discoveries and international rivalries."
-Jenny Uglow, author of The Lunar Men

About the author

Joe Jackson is the author of four works of nonfiction and a novel. He was an investigative reporter for the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot for 12 years, covering criminal justice and the state's death row. He lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He can be reached through his website, joejacksonbooks.com.