Chocolate
A Global History
(Author) Sarah MossChocolate layer cake. Fudge brownies. Chocolate chip cookies. Boxes of chocolate truffles. Cups of cocoa. Hot fudge sundaes. Chocolate is synonymous with our cultural sweet tooth, our restaurant dessert menus, and our idea of indulgence. Chocolate is adored around the world and has been since the Spanish first encountered cocoa beans in South America in the sixteenth century. It is seen as magical, addictive, and powerful beyond anything that can be explained by its ingredients, and in Chocolate Sarah Moss and Alec Badenoch explore the origins and growth of this almost universal obsession. Moss and Badenoch recount the history of chocolate, which from ancient times has been associated with sexuality, sin, blood, and sacrifice. The first Spanish accounts claim that the Aztecs and Mayans used chocolate as a substitute for blood in sacrificial rituals and as a currency to replace gold. In the eighteenth century chocolate became regarded as an aphrodisiac—the first step on the road to today’s boxes of Valentine delights. Chocolate also looks at today’s mass-production of chocolate, with brands such as Hershey’s, Lindt, and Cadbury dominating our supermarket shelves. Packed with tempting images and decadent descriptions of chocolate throughout the ages, Chocolate will be as irresistible as the tasty treats it describes.
Sarah Moss
Sarah Moss is a British writer known for her insightful and thought-provoking novels that often explore themes of history, family, and identity. Her works are characterized by their lyrical prose, meticulous research, and keen observations of human nature.
One of her most notable works is "Ghost Wall," a novel that follows a teenage girl who joins an archaeological dig with her family and becomes entangled in a dangerous reenactment of Iron Age rituals. This novel showcases Moss's skill in blending history with contemporary issues and her ability to create tension and suspense in her storytelling.
Moss's contributions to literature lie in her ability to shed light on the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which the past shapes our present. Her works have had a significant impact on the literary genre of contemporary fiction, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated readership.
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