Book 1: Banana A Global History by Lorna Piatti-Farnell, ISBN: 9781780235714
Book 2: Shrimp A Global History by Yvette Florio Lane, ISBN: 9781780238494
Product Information: Banana:
For over a century, the banana has been rumoured to be everybody's favourite fruit. Quick and easy to eat, tasty and versatile in its culinary uses, the banana is a staple of many diets around the world. The banana's history, however, is more than simply a succession of happy family scenes and the appeal of exotic locations. The growth and development of the fruit we know and love today is entangled with colonial practices, capitalist enterprise, sexual politics and even horrific murders. In this book, Lorna Piatti-Farnell delves into the long-standing history of the banana, and looks into the circumstances that have aligned to make this fruit one of the most popular foods on the planet. Banana: A Global History takes us from the agricultural beginnings of the banana in New Guinea, to the fruit's almost ubiquitous presence in culinary repertoires around the globe. Culture researcher Lorna Piatti-Farnell tells us about the quirky history of bananas on Studio 10.
Product Information: Shrimp:
In this lively and entertaining book, Yvette Florio Lane embarks on a culinary and historical tour of the small-but-mighty shrimp. Containing fascinating lore, unusual recipes, and compelling images, the book explores the shrimp in art, music, and popular culture, from Hiroshige to anime, and from Shakespeare to Seinfeld. The small but mighty shrimp, or prawn, has lured diners to the table for centuries. These primordial-looking creatures spend their short lives out of sight, deep on the ocean floor, yet they have inspired an immense passion among many cultures. They are also at the centre of some of our most pressing environmental and human rights concerns. In this lively and entertaining book, Yvette Florio Lane embarks on a culinary and historical tour of the production and consumption of the beloved crustacean from earliest times to the present day. Essential reading for foodies and food historians, Shrimp demonstrates that the enormous desire for this favourite shellfish has always come with a high price tag.
