" this handsome, scholarly reference describes 100 plants native to North America that have the greatest crop potential. Written in clear, accessible prose, this book will be useful to both scholars and general readers. Full-color illustrations include maps, drawings, and photos. Small's unique focus on each plant's potential as a major global crop makes this a singular and valuable work. Recommended." J. S. Whelan, Harvard Medical School in CHOICE Magazine, June 2014
"This is large book of 743 pages and will be useful to those interested in edible landscapes, regional cuisine, and Indian lore. The book is well written and interesting and will become a bible among those hardy souls interested in culinary experimentation and the development of new crops" Reviewed by Jules Janick, Purdue University, USA
"Who is this book for? Firstly, if you are a bibliophile who enjoys rich books with well researched information, this book is for you. Academically, Small notes early on that the work is not intended to be a textbook, but rather a complement to students taking economic botany, agriculture and resource management courses. Still, the comprehensive references are useful as a starting point for any literature review of these subjects. For those investigating or curious about developing new crops, this is a book to guide you into what has potential. Wildcrafters and their ilk will of course find utility. If you are a natural history interpreter, this book is a treasure trove of information for public engagement. And, if you are a chef, or even a menuwriter for restaurants with locally grown foods, this should both occupy your bookshelf and be used frequently. It ranks in my top ten of plant reference books " Daniel Mosquin, Research Manager, UBC Botanical Garden in The Canadian Botanical Association Bulletin
"In my opinion, anything written by Ernest Small deserves to be read; the mans scholarship is extraordinary." Neil A. Harriman Univeristy of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Economic Botany