Who is Michael Pollan from The Botany of Desire and what is their importance?

Michael Pollan is the author of the text and has written other books and numerous articles. Pollan is a recognized authority in environmental journalism and has won several prestigious awards. Pollan occasionally works as a public speaker. The text offers virtually no autobiographical information and the blurb on the sleeve is quite concise. Pollan is obviously an avid gardener, growing flowers such as the tulip; vegetables, including many types of potatoes, and fruits such as apples. He admits to having grown marijuana and poppies and has used marijuana on numerous occasions. The most personal aspect presented in the text is Pollan's admission to being squeamishly unable to ingest NewLeaf potatoes after raising a bumper crop of them in his personal garden. Pollan's writing style is professional, accessible and quite engaging. In fact, the most appealing aspect of the text is the presentation and capable phrasing, which far exceeds the materials actually presented. His vocabulary is impressive and his ability to turn a phrase is remarkable. Additionally, there is no doubt that he is a competent and devoted gardener and confirmed naturalist.