Mango - Edible by Constance L Kirker & Mary Newman Hardcover

Book Synopsis

From smoothies to folklore, a global history of the many incarnations of the mango.

This beautifully illustrated book takes us on a tour through the rich world of mangoes, which inspire fervent devotion across the world. In South Asia, mangoes boast a history steeped in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, even earning a mention in the Kama Sutra. Beyond myth, the authors show us that mangoes hold literary significance as a potent metaphor. While mango-flavored smoothies grace Western grocery shelves, the true essence of sweet, juicy mangoes or tangy, unripe varieties is a rarity: supermarket offerings often prioritize shelf-life over taste.

This book offers an accessible introduction to the world of true mango aficionados and the thousand varieties they cherish.

Review Quotes

"Mango excels in its historical depth and visual appeal, providing a treasure trove of global narratives for food historians, cultural enthusiasts and anyone curious about the intersection of food and history. It's a delightful read that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this beloved fruit."

-- "Aramco World"

"Mango-lovers contend that to enjoy this tropical fruit you have to embrace its drippy, sticky essence. The scholars Constance L. Kirker and Mary Newman embrace this perspective in Mango: A Global History, arguing that 'the total experience of smell, touch, taste and texture is the very point of a mango' . . . Those looking to enjoy Mango fully might be advised to treat the history like the fruit itself: Sink your teeth in and embrace the mess."
-- "The Wall Street Journal"

"Kirker and Newman's exhaustive research turns up plenty that informs and entertains (mangoes are a 'hell of a fruit, ' former president George W. Bush declared during a 2006 visit to India). . . readers with a taste for trivia will eat this up."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Kirker and Newman weave a beautiful narrative around one of South East Asia's most prized and glorious possessions - the mango."-- "Sonal Ved, author of "Tiffin" and "Whose Samosa Is It Anyway?""

About the Author

Constance L. Kirker is a retired professor of art history at Pennsylvania State University. An avid gardener and foodie, she has written numerous research publications on food history. Mary Newman taught environmental health at Ohio University and the University of Malta. With Kirker, she is coauthor of Cherry, Edible Flowers: A Global History, and Coconut: A Global History, all also published by Reaktion Books.