Sweetness and Power: The Place of Sugar in Modern History

This anthropology of sugar shows how the cultivation of this crop and the use of the end product affected people in two parts of the world: the Caribbean islands and the British Isles. The book gives a short history of sugar and its origins in New Guinea and subsequently the Philippines and India, how it spread west with the Arabs and eventually found its way to Europe. It goes on to tell of sugar's role in European Imperialism, and how the production of this "drug food" led to the use of slavery in pre-industrial plantation agriculture; and conversely, how its eventual use by the common people of England helped to adapt them to the industrial economy, where one had to eat quickly of prepared foods during an assigned break in their work schedule.My greatest insight from this book derives from the above understanding that the increasing use of sugar in the diets of "modernized" people reflects upon its ability to provide calories (thus energy) at a cheap price, in a product with "shelf-life" that allows people to focus on their work (for their employers) for eight or more hours per day.I might add that this book was a great "warm-up" read before I began the two volume set: The Invention of the White Race, by Theodore Allen.

A very well written survey of all aspects of sugar and how it affected the politics and economy of key countries by a most thoughtful writer with an abundance of whys and wherefores page by page, a historian of penetrating thoughtfuness and perception.A great historical and political survey of its hidden importance and huge influence in different societies

As someone who is fairly horrified by the effects of sugar addiction upon people I love, I was very interested in reading this book. Mintz does a terrific job of laying out the history of sugar production and consumption. Sugar, like many other “new” substances that came into European consciousness during the Renaissance (i.e., tobacco, rum, tea, coffee, etc.) was addictive. Originally marketed as a luxury for only the wealthiest, it ultimately became a staple of even the very poorest. How did that happen? This book attempts to inform us. Professor Mintz starts out in a lively mode that is fascinating, but about halfway through the book he reveals his desire to shoehorn the history of sugar consumption into Marxist ideology. Some of it works; some of it doesn’t. I was bored throughout the last third of the book. This was primarily because it was so repetitive. I’m glad I read the book. The research involved is awe-inspiring, and I’m giving it four stars on that basis, but I really didn’t buy Mintz’s overall argument. Even so, I would recommend the book.

This is a wonderful book, one of my favorite history books. Full of fascinating insights into medieval, colonial and industrial history.

i love books and i try to take good care of mine. this book was protected by placing two pieces of cardboard, one on either side, around it. i really appreciate this, and i intend to purchase more books from this business. everything was as described.thank you

This was a very detailed and interesting read regarding the economics of sugar in England. The author certainly knows his stuff and goes into vast details of the economic history of sugar in England. However, the author seems to jump all over different eras quite often which disrupts the flow of the book. Different facts and tidbits ranging from the 15th to 19th centuries are stuck here and there rather than thoroughly focusing on or explaining certain themes or interpretations. Overall I thought it was interesting and very detailed, but highly unorganized. This is not a book for the novice and can even be a drag for those with a good amount of knowledge on the subject.

Mintz's 'Sweetness and Power' is a classic. He makes a compelling argument on the role of sugar and the sugar industry in the development of modern capitalism. This book is a must read for anyone interested in the historical development of capitalism, its structures, and capitalist labor; Caribbean colonial history; or the sugar industry. I just purchased a second copy to replace my first which is too worn and marked to continue reading.

Engagingly written, SWEETNESS AND POWER traces the history of sugar from the old world right to where we are, in the glutonous new world of today. Sugar consumption as been increasing ever since its introduction and there's no looking back. From the exotic tastings of kings, to its medicinial uses, to its association with the current obesity plague, Sidney Mintz has created a very worthwhile and readable narrative. Highly recommended... - lc

very interesting, but could be a bit long if the reader is not that much interested in the subject. The first 75% of the book is very interesting. The last part is a bit of more of the same, but interesting nonetheless.

Will write a review once I finish the book. It is a shelf- enriching book (Tsundoko).

Cette monographie historique sur le sucre est intéressante et remet bien en perspective la place singulière que ce produit à occuper dans l'alimentation et l'histoire politique et sociale de l'occident et des conséquences que son mode de production provoqua en Amérique et en Afrique. Cependant je trouve que la rédaction et l'organisation du livre est trop monolithique. Chacun des cinq chapitres est un tout sans sous parties sans plan facilement compréhensible ce qui gêne en définitive la lecture et l'intelligibilité globale du livre. Instructif mais sans plus.

With an exhilarating narrative sweep, 'Sweetness and Power' situates sugar at the emergence of modern consumer society - showing how its production institutionalised slavery and set the template for the industrial age, while its trade broke the links between calories and local food production and ushered in the modern era of global consumerism.The scope of Mintz's research is remarkable, but it's his insights into how an everyday commodity can reveal the deep workings of history that makes this book such a classic.

Il libro è in perfette condizioni ed il contenuto è molto interessante, scritto bene e comprensibile. La spedizione è stata davvero rapida.