A fascinating persuasive history of how sugar has shaped the world; from European colonies to our modern dietsIn this eye-opening study; Sidney Mintz shows how Europeans and Americans transformed sugar from a rare foreign luxury to a commonplace necessity of modern life; and how it changed the history of capitalism and industry. He discusses the production and consumption of sugar; and reveals how closely interwoven are sugar's origins as a "slave" crop grown in Europe's tropical colonies with is use first as an extravagant luxury for the aristocracy; then as a staple of the diet of the new industrial proletariat. Finally; he considers how sugar has altered work patterns; eating habits; and our diet in modern times."Like sugar; Mintz is persuasive; and his detailed history is a real treat." -San Francisco Chronicle
#566738 in Books James M McPherson 2003-10-15 2003-10-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .90 x 5.60l; .89 #File Name: 140003390X366 pagesThe Negro s Civil War How American Blacks Felt and Acted during the War for the Union
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The active; but relatively unknown; role of African Americans in the Civil WarBy John A. BrossMc Pherson has brought clarity and magisterial judgment to questions of Civil War history that were controversial for years and that are important for us now as we make decisions that shape the America of today; based on straight thinking about the America we come from. You can't understand the United States without understanding the Civil War; and you read McPherson to understand the Civil War. This books illuminates one important facet of the Civil War.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good...but not an easy read.By Douglas MaderThis is a great book for reading the first-hand thoughts and writings of the people involved with the issues facing African Americans during this period of time. However; by the end of the book it began to drag. It is a very worthwhile read and gave me a much greater insight into the role African Amerucans played in the Civil War and their views on the people and events that impacted their lives.0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Cautious RatingBy fredric leighPerhaps I have read too much on the general subject and did not find much I did not already know. The chapters related to Reconstruction could have been more instructive __ author focused on Black reaction without being clear and detailed about the actions of the white Southerner that sought to return to the evils and their privileges before the war. They ensured that elements/consequences of the legacy of slavery would live well into contemporary times.Might be of value to those less informed and generally curious.
