Recs if you like In the Devil's Garden: A Sinful History of Forbidden Food...
microhistories: “how do you even know that??”
microhistory: the intensive historical investigation of a well defined smaller unit of research (such as an event, community, individual or a settlement); it aspires to "ask large questions in small places"
Highly Specific Nonfiction
No sweeping ambitions here. We are taking a long, thorough look at one thing. (More or less.) Very open to suggestion!
Polymath 2026 Inspiration
A list of books that fit the prompts for the 2026 Polymath Training Challenge. (Egypt / Sleep, dreams / Astronomy and space exploration / Gastronomy and foods / Interior design, furniture / Chemistry / Mines and mining / Exploration and explorers / Art and nature /Agriculture /Economics) plus the "choose 1" prompts (Microbiome / Chocolate and coffee / Cultural history / Boardgames and role-playing games / Linguistics / Ethology / History of science / Cosmetics / Empathy). Open to suggestions!
Edible Histories
From spice routes to soup pots, this list explores how a single ingredient can shape empires, economies, and everyday meals.
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