Bittersweet: The Story of Sugar (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781865086576)

This social and historical exploration traces the history of sugarcane from its home in New Guinea to Shakespeare's England. Fascinating sugar lore and anecdotes are included, such as how Queen Elizabeth I became so partial to hippocras (mulled wine), sugared almonds, and pastilles that her teeth turned completely black. Explored are the political and sociological impacts of sugar on the world and the tremendous riches available to the unscrupulous few who grew and sold it. The days of manual processing are described, when fortunes were built on the backbreaking labor of slaves. The resulting wars and geopolitical shifts that have shaped the modern world are discussed in detail.


Author: Peter Macinnis
ISBN-10: 1865086576
ISBN-13: 9781865086576
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Language: English
Published: 05/01/2003
Pages: 216
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.59lbs
Size: 7.82h x 5.18w x 0.55d

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2003 pg. 445