A fascinating exploration into 13 foods and how they determine our past, present and future, from the team behind BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme.

Vital stories for hungry minds.

In the first official book from BBC Radio 4’s hit series The Food Programme, award-winning writer Alex Renton tells the stories of 13 key staples such as spice, oil, cocoa, bread and tomatoes, exploring their history, evolution and how our ever-growing hunger for them continues to alter our world. Look at food in a new light - as a weapon, an art form, a tool of revolution, but also a bringer of pure happiness.

Discover a kaleidoscope of fascinating facts and curiosities, including the forgotten joys of lard, the secret to perfect chips and how our love of pepper led to piracy.