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The History and Social Influence of the Potato: A Classic Book Review
The potato is one of the most widely consumed and cultivated crops in the world, but how much do we know about its origins, evolution and impact on human society In this article, we will review a classic book that explores these questions in depth: The History and Social Influence of the Potato by Redcliffe N. Salaman.
The book was first published in 1949 and is the culmination of a life-long study of every aspect of the potato by Dr Salaman, a British physician and botanist. He was concerned first with the history of the potato as a member of the botanical genus Solanum, its adaptation by man as a cultivated plant, and the record of its spread throughout the world; secondly he considered the influence the potato has exerted upon the social structure and economy of different peoples at different times.
The book is divided into three parts: the first part deals with the potato in America, where it originated and was domesticated by the ancient Andean civilizations; the second part covers the potato in Europe, where it was introduced by Spanish explorers and became a staple food for many countries, especially Ireland; and the third part discusses the potato in other regions of the world, such as Asia, Africa and Oceania.
The book is richly illustrated with photographs, drawings, maps and charts that complement the text and provide visual evidence for the author's arguments. The book also contains an extensive bibliography, index and appendices that offer additional information on various topics related to the potato.
The book is written in an elegant and engaging style, with numerous vivid anecdotes and quotations that bring to life the history and social influence of the potato. The book is not only a scholarly work of profound and accurate research, but also a humanistic one that shows compassion and empathy for the people who have suffered or benefited from the potato.
The book has been praised by many reviewers and historians as a masterpiece of scholarship and humanity. It has been reprinted several times and has been revised and updated by Professor J. G. Hawkes, a renowned expert on potato genetics. The book is available as a paperback edition from Cambridge University Press.
If you are interested in learning more about this fascinating topic, you can download a free sample or purchase the full book from this link.
The potato has a long and fascinating history that spans different continents, cultures and centuries. It is one of the most versatile and nutritious crops in the world, with thousands of varieties and countless ways of preparing it. In this article, we will highlight some of the most interesting facts and stories about the potato, from its origins in South America to its global popularity today.
The potato in South America
The potato is native to the Andes Mountains, where it was domesticated by the ancient civilizations of Peru and Bolivia more than 8,000 years ago. The potato was a staple food for the Incas, who developed sophisticated methods of cultivation, storage and preservation. They also bred different types of potatoes for different purposes, such as high-altitude potatoes, frost-resistant potatoes and bitter potatoes that could be detoxified by soaking or freezing.
The potato was also a sacred plant for the Incas, who believed that it had a spirit and a personality. They performed rituals and ceremonies to honour the potato and to ensure a good harvest. They also used potatoes for medicinal purposes, such as treating wounds, infections and stomach problems.
The potato in Europe
The potato was introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the late 16th century, who brought it back from their voyages to South America. However, the potato was not widely accepted or consumed at first, as many people were suspicious of its strange appearance and its association with the nightshade family, which contains some poisonous plants. Some people also believed that potatoes caused diseases such as leprosy, syphilis and scurvy.
It took several decades for the potato to gain popularity in Europe, thanks to the efforts of some influential figures who promoted its benefits and uses. For example, Carolus Clusius, a botanist from the Netherlands, planted and studied potatoes in his garden and distributed them to other scientists and gardeners. Eva Ekeblad, a Swedish noblewoman and scientist, discovered how to make flour and alcohol from potatoes. Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, a French pharmacist and agronomist, conducted experiments and campaigns to convince people that potatoes were safe and nutritious.
The potato became a major food crop in many European countries, especially Ireland, where it thrived in the moist climate and poor soil. The potato provided a cheap and abundant source of calories and vitamins for the poor farmers and labourers, who often depended on it as their main or only food. However, this dependence also proved disastrous when a fungal disease called late blight destroyed most of the potato crops in Ireland between 1845 and 1852. The Irish Potato Famine resulted in widespread starvation, disease and emigration of millions of people. aa16f39245