Chocolate: A Cultural Encyclopedia

(Paperback)

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A RUSA Outstanding Reference Source 2023

Chocolate is nearly always with uswhen celebrating or mourning, in love or alone, healthy or sick, happy or sad. This book offers a comprehensive look at how an exotic food grew to play such a central role in our lives.

This well-researched work provides a useful discussion of the historical, cultural, and commercial aspects of chocolate. Library Journal

No food in the world can offer as storied a history as chocolate. Chocolate: A Cultural Encyclopedia focuses on cocoa's history from ancient Mesoamerican beginnings as a symbol of ritual, life, and death, to its omnipresence in Europe, North America, and the rest of the world. In 10 thematic chapters covering chocolate in society and culture, 80 shorter entries, recipes, and a comprehensive timeline, this book takes a closer look at how chocolate has served as a medicine, an indulgence, a symbol of decadence, a door to romance, a tempting taboo, a means of survival, and a snack for children and adults alike.

Why did popes and kings fear chocolate Why did World War II soldiers despise their rations Who invented milk chocolate, and why was it a secret This book uncovers surprising stories and little-known facts about the seed behind the worlds favorite fruit tree.

Reviews

This well-researched work provides a useful discussion of the historical, cultural, and commercial aspects of chocolate. * Library Journal *
This is an excellent introduction to chocolate for students, culinary professionals, and anyone interested in the subject. * Booklist *

Author Bio

Ross F. Collins is professor of communication at North Dakota State University, USA.