Nathaniel's Nutmeg - How One Man's Courage Changed the Course of History (Paperback, New Ed)

Milton's third book tells the story of how this unimpressive-looking spice was once fought over with the same ardent brutishness we now reserve for crude oil. Doctors in the 17th century considered it the only true specific against the plague. It was also thought to be an aphrodisiac, and excessive consumption was the undoing of the Earl of Dorset. This book traces the struggle, principally between Holland and England, to secure the source of this precious commodity, a remote group of mountainous islands in the East Indies. It is not a very elevating story; the Dutch are portrayed as the villains of the piece while the English are their plucky and bewildered victims, a slant that gives an old-fashioned Boy's Own character to the book. This is popular history of the Longitude school by a writer with an infectious enthusiasm for his subject. Helpful maps and illustrations. Review by ANDREW MILLER ANDREW MILLER'S books include Casanova and Ingenious Pain, winner of the 1999 IMPAC award. (Kirkus UK)

In 1616, an English adventurer, Nathaniel Courthope, stepped ashore on a remote island in the East Indies on a secret mission - to persuade the islanders of Run to grant a monopoly to England over their nutmeg, a fabulously valuable spice in Europe. This infuriated the Dutch, who were determined to control the world's nutmeg supply. For five years Courthope and his band of thirty men were besieged by a force one hundred times greater - and his heroism set in motion the events that led to the founding of the greatest city on earth. A beautifully told adventure story and a fascinating depiction of exploration in the seventeenth century, NATHANIEL'S NUTMEG sheds a remarkable light on history.

General

Imprint:	John Murray Publishers Ltd
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	March 2000
Authors:	Giles Milton
Dimensions:	198 x 129 x 24mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - B-format
Pages:	388
Edition:	New Ed
ISBN-13:	978-0-340-69676-7
Categories:	Books > Language & Literature > Biography & autobiography > Historical, political & military Books > Earth & environment > Geography > Geographical discovery & exploration Books > Humanities > History > World history > 1500 to 1750 Books > Humanities > History > British & Irish history > General Books > Humanities > History > American history > General Books > History > American history > General Books > History > British & Irish history > General Books > History > World history > 1500 to 1750 Books > Biography > Historical, political & military
LSN:	0-340-69676-1
Barcode:	9780340696767

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