In "A History of World Agriculture," Marcel Mazoyer and Laurence Roudart embark on a comprehensive journey through the annals of agricultural development, tracing the intricate relationship between human civilization and the cultivation of the earth from the dawn of the Neolithic era to the present day. This monumental work not only explores the diverse agricultural practices that have flourished across different terrains—from the river valleys of the ancient Near East to the terraced slopes of the Andean mountains—but also delves into the myriad ways in which these practices have been shaped by the interplay of plants, animals, soil, climate, and societal needs. Through meticulous examination, Mazoyer and Roudart reveal how the bounty of knowledge, tradition, and biodiversity that has sustained humanity for millennia is now under threat from the forces of global capitalism, which prioritize profit over sustainability and equity. With a critical eye, the authors scrutinize the dramatic shifts brought about in the twentieth century through mechanization, motorization, and specialization, which marked a departure from the adaptive and culturally diverse history of agriculture. Mazoyer and Roudart argue that the current dominance of a few multinational corporations in dictating agricultural practices poses a grave risk not only to the rich tapestry of global agrarian heritage but also to the very future of food security and environmental sustainability. They propose an alternative vision for the world's agricultural systems, one that champions the preservation of local economies in poor countries, revitalizes the global economy, and paves the way for a sustainable and equitable future. "A History of World Agriculture" is not just a recounting of past agricultural practices but a clarion call to action for the preservation of our planet and the safeguarding of humanity's collective future.