Grassland: The History, Biology, Politics and Promise of the American Prairie - Paperbackby Richard Manning (Author) More than forty percent of our country was once open prairie, grassland that extended from Missouri to Montana. Taking a critical look at this little understood biome, award winning journalist Richard Manning urges the reclamation of this land, showing how the grass is not only our last connection to the natural world, but also a vital link to our own prehistoric roots, our history, and our culture. Framing his book with