I knew almost nothing about agriculture before picking up this book, but now I feel like I have a pretty firm grasp on the concepts and issues surrounding organic farming. The book delves into the basics of soil microbes, plant nutrition, the worldwide history of farming, the development of current "conventional" agricultural practices, the health and environmental impacts of ubiquitous pesticide use, genetic engineering, and other issues -- all the while synthesizing important concepts and arguments in a way that makes a convincing case for organic farming, as the title promises. The author has a very readable style that doesn't overwhelm with scientific jargon, but seems to be well-informed and based on excellent research and personal history with organic farming.