Scan barcode
jmrprice's review against another edition
3.0
fascinating linkages of why spices held the attention of so many for so long
nickedkins's review against another edition
4.0
I wanted to read this book to hear about the romance and adventure of the early spice trade. The idea that a few tiny islands in Indonesia supplied the entire world with something so precious is still hard to fathom. Turner gives a sense of just how otherworldly spices seemed to Europeans when the other end of the supply chain was essentially mythical.
It was also fairly interesting to learn how medical and culinary uses of spices evolved over time, but this section of the book really dragged on. It's only so engaging to hear what the fourth obscure medieval religious figure in a row thought was the correct ratio of ingredients for an incense.
I would also have loved to hear what the native people of Ternate and Tidore made of people coming from the other side of the world and expending huge amounts of resources to steal their native plants, but they don't figure at all in the story.
It was also fairly interesting to learn how medical and culinary uses of spices evolved over time, but this section of the book really dragged on. It's only so engaging to hear what the fourth obscure medieval religious figure in a row thought was the correct ratio of ingredients for an incense.
I would also have loved to hear what the native people of Ternate and Tidore made of people coming from the other side of the world and expending huge amounts of resources to steal their native plants, but they don't figure at all in the story.
verydazedragon's review against another edition
slow-paced
4.0
My favorite sort of history books to read are the ones that focus on a particular thing throughout the ages. This book did occasionally drag (the chapter about religion was the least interesting, in my opinion), but I was focused the entire way through.
Any book that will impart useless facts to me is a good one. I have been regaling all my friends with the staged food fight of 1214. Very much enjoyed the book.
Any book that will impart useless facts to me is a good one. I have been regaling all my friends with the staged food fight of 1214. Very much enjoyed the book.
tashka89's review against another edition
informative
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
3.75
A fascinating lens to view history through, although sometimes a little woolly to get through. A great night time companion to help me nod off at night
iread2much's review against another edition
4.0
While this micro history is structured in a slightly confusing way, I enjoyed learning about how spice was a part of everyday life for much of history in the Western World. One of the only history of spices books that discussed spices in the ancient world, I learned a lot I didn't know. I also enjoyed looking at spice from not just a cooking and wealth status, but also religious and health. A good read, if a bit of a slog towards the end. I enjoyed reading this micro history and would recommend it over the other spice books I've read for a more comprehensive understanding of spice in the western world.
mattyzmom's review against another edition
2.0
This certainly was a history of spice as it references events and people before Christ. There were many names that were difficult to pronounce that slowed me down. I was familiar with some of the references including Columbus and the spice routes.
The author researched quite a bit for this book and could have written so much more.
The author researched quite a bit for this book and could have written so much more.
kdroste's review against another edition
2.0
I haven't been able to make it all the way through this yet.
mariederohan's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. There's something about Japanese narrative that doesn't... fit with me. It's weird.