The Forbidden Garden

During the siege of Leningrad in 1941, a group of dedicated botanists faced the peril of war to protect the world's largest seed collection, which held the potential to revolutionize agriculture and prevent future famines. Amidst dangers from enemy fire, bombs, scavengers, and harsh conditions, these scientists made the heroic decision to prioritize safeguarding biodiversity over their own safety. Drawing from rare sources, Simon Parkin recounts this remarkable true story of courage and scientific foresight.