Citrus

A World History

David J. Mabberley

$69.99

Hardback

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English

Thames & Hudson
01 October 2024

Botanical art; History; Food & society

A world history of citrus, from the art of classical antiquity to the science of the modern era.

Mandarin, citron, pomelo, bergamot, kumquat... Citrus traces the history of today's global superfood from its cultivation in the ancient world from just a handful of original 'wild' species, via Arab trade routes, the noble collectors of medieval Europe, imperial conquerors on the high seas, and merchants risking ruin for the highest-value fruit crop ever known.

The story of citrus permeates human history, as recorded in the literature and art of civilisations from antiquity to the present day. When Alexander the Great's army swept over the Persian Empire, they found the citron: the first citrus fruit known in the West. During the Napoleonic wars, British ships carried lemons and limes to protect their sailors against scurvy: the 'Limeys' ruled the waves. As the citrus trade grew in importance in the nineteenth century, the Sicilian Mafia was established among citrus farmers, protecting their crops and their livelihoods.

From the art of the Renaissance to modern advertising and graphic design, this richly illustrated, invigorating cultural history reveals how these extraordinary, life-giving fruits have flavoured, scented, healed and coloured our world.

By: David J. Mabberley
Imprint: Thames & Hudson
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 264mm, Width: 206mm,
Weight: 1.240kg
ISBN: 9780500026366
ISBN 10: 050002636X
Pages: 288
Publication Date: 01 October 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

David J. Mabberley has served as Executive Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust in Sydney. He is an Emeritus Fellow at Wadham College, Oxford, Adjunct Professor at Macquarie University, Sydney, and Professor Extraordinary at the University of Leiden, The Netherlands. He is the co-author of Joseph Banks' Florilegium.

Reviews for Citrus: A World History

Celebrated botanist Mabberley delves into the history of fruits too often taken for granted in the modern world . . . A wealth of color illustrations and photographs . . . make this volume a sumptuous trove of art.-- ""Booklist""