Super interesting book: 1493

I heard the author, Charles Mann, discussing his book, 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created on NPR's Fresh Air today, and he was utterly fascinating.  He suggests that Columbus literally changed the world, by reuniting the disparate ecologies that had developed in isolation from each other after Pangea separated.  The effect on plants, animals, diseases, and especially people, was incredibly significant, and influenced history then and since.  Seems important information to know and also just sounds like a great read.