Books matching: history of chocolate
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- #1
Save:'The True History of Chocolate' by Michael D. Coe and Sophie D. Coe is a thoroughly researched account of the history of chocolate, covering 3800 years of cacao history from its botanical aspects to its consumption in Central America and eventual importation to Europe. The book delves into pre-Colonial Mesoamerican culture, showcasing the authors' extensive research on the Mayans and other cultures in the region. Despite being an academic book, it is noted to be approachable and informative, providing insights not just on chocolate but also on broader historical and cultural aspects.
For a tree that bears seeds of such importance, cacao is singularly difficult to grow. With very few exceptions, it refuses to bear fruit outside a band of 20 degrees north and 20 degrees south of the... - #2
Save:'Chocolate Wars' by Deborah Cadbury is a detailed account of the history of the Cadbury organization and other major chocolate empires like Rowntree, Fry, Hershey, Mars, and Nestle. The book explores the transition from the ethical Quaker roots to the shareholder-driven business world, highlighting the social reforms and business ethics rooted in the Quaker faith that underpinned the commercial success of these chocolate firms. Cadbury's narrative takes readers from the humble beginnings of British chocolate manufacturers to the present day, covering topics such as family businesses, social and political reform, and the impact of Quaker philosophy on business operations.
In mid-Victorian times, the English town of Birmingham was growing fast, devouring the surrounding villages and nearby woods and fields. The unstoppable engine of the Industrial Revolution had turned ... - #3
Save:'The Chocolate Maker's Wife' by Karen Brooks is a historical novel set in 1665 London, during the time of the plague and the Great Fire. The book follows the story of Rosamund, a young woman who escapes her abusive family to work in a chocolate shop. As she navigates through the challenges of the era, including dealing with historical figures and events, Rosamund discovers secrets, faces betrayal, and finds unexpected love. The writing style is rich in historical detail, blending fact with fiction, and providing a vivid portrayal of life in 17th century London.
'A People's History of the United States' by Howard Zinn presents American history through the eyes of the marginalized and oppressed, such as indigenous peoples, slaves, women, workers, and the poor. Zinn challenges the traditional narrative of American history by highlighting the struggles and perspectives of those often overlooked in mainstream historical accounts. The book provides a comprehensive and alternative view of historical events, offering a critical analysis of the foundations of the United States and shedding light on lesser-known rebellions and movements that have shaped the nation.
Zinn's writing style in 'A People's History of the United States' is described as engaging, readable, and well-sourced. Readers find the book to be informative, eye-opening, and thought-provoking, as it delves into the darker aspects of American history that are often omitted or sugar-coated in traditional textbooks. Through detailed accounts and historical facts, Zinn offers readers a different perspective on key events and figures in American history, encouraging critical thinking and a reevaluation of commonly held beliefs about the nation's past.
Arawak men and women, naked, tawny, and full of wonder, emerged from their villages onto the island’s beaches and swam out to get a closer look at the strange big boat. When Columbus and his sailors c...- #5
Save:'Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent' by Eduardo Galeano is a historical masterpiece that delves deep into the exploitation and plunder faced by Latin America over the centuries. Galeano's writing style offers a poetic and vivid portrayal of the continent's tumultuous past, highlighting the impacts of European colonization, economic domination, and political upheavals on the region. The book covers a broad scope of Latin American history, shedding light on the struggles of the indigenous populations, the influence of foreign powers, and the enduring consequences of these historical events on the present-day socio-political landscape.
When Christopher Columbus headed across the great emptiness west of Christendom, he had accepted the challenge of legend. Terrible storms would play with his ships as if they were nutshells and hurl t... - #6
Save:Set in a far future interstellar empire, 'Dune' by Frank Herbert follows young Paul Atreides as his family gains control of the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the valuable spice melange. The novel weaves a complex narrative touching on themes of ecology, capitalism, and power struggles among noble Houses, creating a rich and intricate world that blends science fiction and fantasy elements seamlessly.
The book delves into the intricate political landscape of the feudal interstellar empire, introducing readers to a world filled with betrayals, power struggles, and the importance of resources like water and the spice melange. Through the character of Paul Atreides, the narrative explores themes of prophecy, destiny, and the consequences of power, all set against the backdrop of a vividly imagined universe filled with unique cultures and traditions.
When my father, the Padishah Emperor, heard of Duke Leto’s death and the manner of it, he went into such a rage as we had never before seen. He blamed my mother and the compact forced on him to place ... 'How Europe Underdeveloped Africa' by Walter Rodney is a detailed analysis of the historical factors contributing to Africa's underdevelopment compared to the 'First World'. Rodney's writing style is described as accessible and informative, providing a chronological sequence of Africa's development and European interference. He delves into the impact of slavery and colonialism on African societies, highlighting the strategies employed by Europeans to exploit and suppress the continent. Rodney's work is considered a seminal piece on the legacy of European destruction in Africa, offering a broad background on the history of European involvement on the continent.
In contrast with the surging growth of the countries in the socialist camp and the development taking place, albeit much more slowly, in the majority of the capitalist countries, is the unquestionable...'Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq' by Stephen Kinzer is a detailed account of fourteen instances of U.S. intervention to promote regime change, replacing existing governments with ones preferred by the U.S. The book covers a range of interventions from Hawaii to Iraq, highlighting the rise of the CIA after WWII and its influence, especially in Latin America during the Cold War years. Kinzer delves into the history of imperialism, detailing how the U.S. government overthrew democratically elected leaders around the world for political reasons and access to resources. The narrative explores the implications of U.S. interventionism and the tragic long-term effects of these regime changes.
Darkness had already enveloped Honolulu when a pair of well-dressed conspirators knocked on one of the most imposing doors in town. The man they came to visit held the key to their revolution. He was ...- #9
Save:"Sweet Revenge" in the series 'A Lady Arianna Regency Mystery' by Andrea Penrose follows Lady Arianna Hadley's quest for revenge after her father's murder. Disguised as a French chef, she becomes entangled in a mystery involving the poisoning of the Prince Regent. Alongside the Earl of Saybrook, they embark on an investigation filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The writing style is described as well-developed, with multi-dimensional characters, historical details about the South Sea Island Bubble, and tantalizing recipes involving chocolate that add a delightful bonus to the captivating Regency period cozy.
Cleaning up after such a feast would likely take another few hours, thought the chef irritably. But that was the price—or was it penance?—for choosing to work alone. A baleful glance lingered for a mo... - #10
Save:The Sacred Book of the Werewolf by Victor Pelevin is an imaginative and unique novel that blends elements of science fiction, social commentary, metaphysics, and Eastern mysticism. Set in post-Soviet Russia, the story follows A Hu Li, a shape-shifting werefox who is also a millennia-old prostitute. Through her experiences and interactions, the novel explores themes of existence, transformation, illusion, and the search for meaning in a complex world. Pelevin's writing style is characterized by literary allusions, philosophical musings, and a blend of supernatural elements with everyday reality, offering a thought-provoking and multi-layered narrative.
He gave me that ruby when we were sailing on his yacht in the Gulf of Finland and I threw it straight into the water the moment I looked at it. He turned pale and asked me why I hated him. He didn’t, ...
