Description: Little has been written about the potato's Italian history. This book examines the important role it has played in Italy's social, cultural and economic history.
Brief description: David Gentilcore is Professor of Modern History at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Italy. He is the author of Pomodoro!: A History of the Tomato in Italy (2010) and Medical Charlatanism in Early Modern Italy (2006).
Review Quotes: "Gentilcore's Italy and the Potato is a surprising and quite entertaining examination of the "world's most cultivated vegetable." ... I found particularly exciting recipes distributed throughout the text, from an "economic" stew served in Naples' most important orphanage (ingredients include potatoes, beans, barley, kidneys, and chili peppers) to pasta and potato soup ... [A] wonderful book." --Edward Valauskas, Curator of Rare Books, Chicago Botanic Garden, Lenhardt Library