Sugar:
A Bittersweet History
by Elizabeth Abbott
TX560 .S9 A23 2009
New Book Island, 2nd floor
As everyone is gearing up for finals, we have our go-tos when it comes to getting the most out of our time and productivity. Regardless of the form, it’s probably pretty certain that there’s a little bit of sugar (or a lot of it) to help you along your way. This week’s featured title details how the addictive additive came to take over the world.
As the subtitle indicates, Abbott, formerly of the University of Toronto, doesn’t sugarcoat the history of sugar [sorry – couldn’t resist]. The author takes a look at the rise of the powerful sugarcane, from its origins in the East to its subsequent domination of Western civilization and its effects on economy, trade and environment. Furthermore, she details how the little granule’s infiltration at the World’s Fair contributed to the popularity and expansion of the fast food industry in its infancy stages. Sprinkled with photos and sources that document the impact of sugar all over the world, Abbott’s work demonstrates that the sweetness may come with a bitter aftertaste.
Great choice for exams week. Sounds interesting.