The root of heaven & earth

the long version

"A story spanning worlds and centuries-- from a distant, destitute future and the ambitions of a young scientist, to the possibility of a thriving tomorrow ... from the dreams of a young village girl in India, to the broad vistas of the American West ... from a rain-drenched African jungle and the mighty Congo that flows through it, to a seed of understanding that could transform a world ... This epic tale unravels mysteries arising out of our deepest past, and offers a glimpse of the surprising promise that lies ahead"--Unedited summary from the book.