The Untold History of the Potato

The Untold History of the Potato

Summary

Where does our food come from? The story of one of the world's most important crops

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, 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.

‘Each chapter is discrete in content and manner, yet densely connected to the rest. Wonderful: to understand the whole world through a single crisp’ Guardian

Reviews

  • As a staple of the global diet the potato is worth this digestible book devoted to its biology, history and social influence
    The Times

About the author

John Reader

Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more