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Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World

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What to expect

A WASHINGTON STATE BOOK AWARD FINALIST

New York Times bestselling author William Alexander provides a fascinating and erudite micro-history of the tomato.

"A captivating—and appetizing—read." —Amy Stewart, New York Times bestselling author of Wicked Plants

The tomato gets no respect. Never has. Lost in the dustbin of history for centuries, accused of being vile and poisonous, subjected to being picked hard-green and gassed, even used as a projectile, the poor tomato has become the avatar for our disaffection with industrial foods—while becoming the most popular vegetable in America (and, in fact, the world).

Each summer, tomato festivals crop up across the country; the Heinz ketchup bottle, instantly recognizable, has earned a spot in the Smithsonian; and now the tomato is redefining the very nature of farming, moving from fields into climate-controlled mega-greenhouses the size of New England villages.

Supported by meticulous research and told in a lively, accessible voice, Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World seamlessly weaves travel, history, humor, and a little adventure (and misadventure) to follow the tomato's trail through history. A fascinating story complete with heroes, con artists, conquistadors, and—no surprise—the Mafia, this book is a mouth-watering, informative, and entertaining guide to the food that has captured our hearts for generations.

Critics Review

“From the man who grew us The $64 Tomato, William Alexander is back in the garden…as well as in pizzerias in Naples (Italy), a ketchup factory, the local Pizza Hut, large-scale tomatoes farms in Naples (Florida), and the farmers markets where heirloom tomatoes are having their day in the sun, again. Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World is a fascinating and funny tell-all tale of how ten tomatoes are shaping our lives in unusual, unexpected, and (in some cases) very delicious directions.”—David Lebovitz, author of Drinking French and My Paris Kitchen
“William Alexander has written an entertaining, broad-ranging history of the tomato, in a conversational, humorous style that uses tomatoes to explore history -- from the Aztecs to Italian cuisine and pizza -- along with the introduction of fascinating characters, issues such as climate change and hydroponics, heirloom mania, and the search for flavor in a world of GMOs and factory farming.”—Mark Pendergrast, author of Uncommon Grounds and For God, Country and Coca-Cola
“William Alexander is a delightful guide on this whirlwind tour of the tomato's influence on global cuisine and culture. His trademark blend of history, botany, memoir and travelogue make Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World a captivating--and appetizing--read for gardeners and cooks alike.”—Amy Stewart, New York Times bestselling author of The Drunken Botanist
"[A]n engaging look at the humble fruit. . . Eccentric, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable."—Kirkus Reviews
PRAISE FOR WILLIAM ALEXANDER

“Highly readable… Mr. Alexander presents himself as an apprentice, but the reader quickly discovers he is also a master teacher."—Wall Street Journal on Flirting with French
"Alexander's breathless, witty memoir is a joy to read. It's equal parts fact and fun.” —Boston Globe on 52 Loaves
“[Alexander’s] bright writing highlights a pleasing variety of comical misadventures... Entertaining and educative."—Kirkus Reviews on 52 Loaves
"Serious, irreverent, funny and informative at the same time."—Jacques Pépin on 52 Loaves
“Engaging, well-paced and informative."—New York Times on The $64 Tomato
“[A] disarmingly witty take on horticulture…consistently funny."—Washington Post on The $64 Tomato
“Alexander's slightly poisoned paradise manages to impart an existential lesson on the interconnectedness of nature and the fine line between nurturing and killing.” —Publishers Weekly on The $64 Tomato
Author William Alexander
Narrator Paul Bellantoni
Duration 9 hours and 17 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781549186523
Format Audiobook
Publisher Hachette Audio
Genre Agriculture, agribusiness and food production industries, Cookery / food and drink, Cultural studies: food and society, European history, Social and cultural history
Availability US

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