The Untold History of the Potato

From the gold potatoes at the Sun Temple in Cuzco Peru the muddy ones in Ireland and those grown in China for McDonald's chips via Mrs Beeton Charles Darwin Lenin and Chairman Mao to the mapping of the potato genome the story of the spud is both satisfying and fascinating. John Reader follows the thread of the potato's story through the tapestry of human history from its origins and evolution to its mysterious arrival in Europe where it became a crucial part of gastronomic and social fabric. As global population swells and environmental sustainability becomes ever more crucial Reader asks what role the potato still has to play - in this lively readable study of our most humble foodstuff.