1493 by Charles C. Mann

Uncovering the New World Columbus Created

This book delves into the profound and far-reaching consequences of the Columbian Exchange, the period following Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, which initiated a global exchange of crops, animals, diseases, and cultures. It explores how this exchange reshaped the world's ecosystems, economies, and societies, leading to the rise of global trade networks and the interconnection of continents. The narrative highlights the transformative impact on agriculture, the spread of new species, and the unintended consequences that altered the course of history, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human and environmental histories.