The book “The Triumph of Seeds” by biologist and famous popularizer of science Thor Hanson talks about the evolution of seed and spore plants and their role in the development of human civilizations. The author describes how scientists study the paleontological record of the plant world in coal mines and provides various historical facts about the use of seeds by people. Of great interest are the chapters on the influence of spices on world trade, how cotton drove the economy, the Industrial Revolution and political events, and the role of coffee - "the main grain of vigor" - in the development of creative thought during the Age of Enlightenment. Unobtrusive humor and good figurative language help the author speak easily and interestingly about the most complex scientific hypotheses and theories, which makes the book fascinating and useful for any reader.