"
Spice is an erudite and engaging account of how foodstuffs can change the flow of history." -
New York Times Book Review
"Jack Turner handles his subject with discernment and confidence, his style appropriately brisk and animated. . . . Impressive and reassuring is his combination of sympathetic understanding and tough-minded rationalism. Although he never condescends to the past, neither does he ever blur the line that separates fascinating lore from the objective truths of science." -
Los Angeles Times "A nifty grab bag of a book. Entertaining and informative." -
San Jose Mercury News "A hugely enjoyable book, written with erudition, style and wit."
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New Scientist "
Spice is deliciously rich in odors, savors, and stories. Jack Turner quickens history with almost bardic magic, pouring his personality into his narrative without sacrifice of scholarship." -Felipe Fernandez-Armesto
"Based on research that is broad and deep, Turner succeeds remarkably well in capturing the evanescent attractions of spice." -
Orlando Sentinel "Stimulating. . . .
Spice is stuffed with memorable details. . . .Turner writes with pace and intelligence." -
New Statesman
"Jack Turner possesses the two ingredients most essential for the great historian-scholarly detachment allied to a passionate obsession with his subject. He also writes uncommonly well. A splendid book." -Philip Ziegler
"Turner's banquet É is, as he admits, a ramble, but it is a fascinating one – urbane, anecdotal and easily digestible." -
Scotsman
"Sumptuous...Turner quotes well and widely from literature, and has a flair for anecdote."
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The Guardian "Turner brings serious scholarship to bear on his subject, quoting from all manner of obscure texts in ancient languages. But his gentle, ironic wit makes him a light-hearted companion. . . . The book shimmers with life, with real people springing from every page, some of them millennia old. . . . Turner's enthusiasm carries it all forward with terrific momentum." -
The Tablet
"A fascinating and scholarly book that can help you improve both your cooking and your sex life. An excellent piece of work." -Peter Mayle
