Travels in the Genetically Modified Zone
Winston (Nature Wars; biological sciences, Simon Fraser Univ.,  British Columbia) spent more than two years traveling around the  United States, Canada, and Europe in an attempt to better  understand the "politicized world of agricultural  biotechnology." He visited scientists, government officials,  corporations, environmentalists, farmers, and consumers and  searched cyberspace for information and contacts. The result is  a balanced report of the facts and myths about genetically  modified organisms (GMOs), from seed production to consumption,  and the strong feelings that emerge from all players in this  debate. Winston describes the sense of excitement and scientific  curiosity in the research community, the fears and anger of  opponents, and the desperation of farmers who are caught in the  middle trying to gain the public trust and save their farms.  Winston is distressed by the rigidity of opposing viewpoints and  the unwillingness of the parties to talk to each other in order  to reach an acceptable middle ground. His effort to find that  middle ground makes his book a worthwhile addition to all  biotechnology and agriculture collections. Irwin Weintraub,  Brooklyn Coll. Lib., New YorkCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.