Bamboo is the oldest, most remarkable resource on the planet, used for thousands of years to make a vast array of items - from basic necessities such as clothing and housing to more exotic and luxurious objects like acupuncture needles, sedan chairs and musical instruments. This practical and historical guide to the versatile and plentiful wood contains a series of chapters covering subjects as diverse as shelter, architecture, cultivation and 1000 things made of bamboo. It discusses the plant's biology and life cycle, offers tips on harvesting and planting and describes lore about this ancient wood. It argues that bamboo is an abundant resource that could replace many of the less sustainable materials now commonly used in our daily lives.
