A global history of citrus fruits, from the art of classical antiquity to the science of the modern era.

Mandarin, citron, grapefruit, bergamot, kumquat...Citrus traces the history of today's global superfood from its cultivation in the ancient world from three original 'true' species, through the Arab trade routes, the noble collectors of medieval Europe, the imperial conquerors over seas, and the traders who risked ruin for the highest-value fruit crop known.

The history of citrus permeates human history, as recorded in the literature and art of civilisations from antiquity to the present. When Alexander the Great's army swept through the Persian Empire, they found citron - the first citrus fruit known to the West. During the Napoleonic Wars, British ships carried lemons and limes to protect their sailors against scurvy: "Limeys" ruled the seas. As the citrus trade grew in importance in the 19th century, the Sicilian mafia established itself among citrus farmers, protecting their crops and livelihoods.

From Renaissance art to modern advertising and graphic design, this richly illustrated and cultural history reveals how these extraordinary, life-giving fruits have flavoured, healed, coloured and flavoured our world.

Publisher: Thames and Hudson