The series Underutilized and Underexploited Horticultural Crops are reviewed in several science journals for its uniqueness and richness in content and botanical information. Enlarging the food base and food basket along with validated information on plants for industry, dyes, timber, energy and medicine is the core theme of the series. The third volume has 25 chapters written by 46 scientists from UK, Mexico, Spain, India, USA, Turkey and Nigeria. The crops covered are atuna, African de bolita, capers and caper plants, kair, natural dye plants, plants used for dye sources, underutilized wild edible fruits of Kerala, bael, carambola, tropical plum, citrus, fig, guava, star gooseberry, hog-plum, underutilized leaf vegetables of sub-Himalayan terai region, underutilized vegetables of Tripura, agathi and chekkurmanis, celosia, colocasia, edible begonias, kangkong, underutilized palms, Atuna and African de bolita are new crops to Indian readeNatural dyes are attaining significant commercial importance in view of the negative effects of synthetic dyes which are allergic and in a few cases carcinogenic. Underutilized fruits like bael, carambola, tropical plum, fig, star gooseberry and hog-plum are receiving attention in view of their wider adaptability and suitability to grow under conditions of stress. Underexploited leaf vegetables like agathi, chekkurmanis, celosia, edible begonias and kangkong have been given prominence. Prof.Ghillean T Prance, FRS has contributed the chapter on Atuna. The Editor is Dr K V Peter Former Vice-Chancellor, Kerala Agricultural University.

Here is the chronicle of the Anderson family, Post Bellum (Civil War) Scandinavian settlers to America. They were the author’s grandparents and triggered this interesting story of the three following generations over a span of 150 years. The story is compelling, forthright and, indeed quite readable and witty. Grandpa Olander leads the parade of memorable family. His seven offspring included Navy Chaplain, Captain Paul, an exuberant fellow who charted new paths around the world aboard the SS Boise during WW II and emulated St Paul in his post-war missionary work in Greece and Turkey. Author Anderson narrates an unusual family history based on a varied community banking career laced with many collateral and cultural interests in music, travel, church, sailing, camping and gardening. Their multi -9 home- residency to accommodate the author’s career provided lots of color for the many vignettes of their personal lives. Then there are those wonderful three children and five ‘above average’ grandchildren who play an integral role in the family and world. The author’s wife, Claire, is a pleasant and comely – but quiet – supporter of all that activity from her first unusual introduction that led, ultimately, to the altar and many years of marital bliss. That saintly partner introduced the author, nee husband, to quite interesting characters who garnish this story in spades. Those ‘walk-ons’ provide a compelling, and often, humorous backdrop to the ‘larger picture’. Joie de vivre abounds with incredible and diverse photos that follow each chapter. Their composition and captions are well thought out and interesting. Thus, the whole work is a delightful journey of two people in love – hubby Roy and dearest partner, Claire – for over 60 years and still counting.