The delectable journey into the world of chocolate--by the award-winning author of Olives
Science, over recent years, has co... read full description
Science, over recent years, has co... read full description
reviews
Feb 06, 2011
Wendy
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Chocolate: A Bittersweet Saga of Dark and Light by Mort Rosenblum is a cross between a chocolate history book and a travelogue around the chocolate world. Justin found the book for me in a quaint bookstore in Seattle a few years ago and I loved reading it. It was interesting to learn what goes into making fine chocolate. The 2nd half of the book was the most interesting and flowing to me--so if the beginning drags, start reading from chapter 5 on.
I hosted a bookclub in my ward in Geor More...
I hosted a bookclub in my ward in Geor More...
Feb 05, 2009
Rosenblum trades the focus of his James Beard award-winning Olives for a newer, sweeter obsession. His experience as a newspaperman (Rosenblum is the former editor for the International Herald Tribune and a former Associated Press reporter) bears fruit in the strong source material he tracks down in far-flung locales. If his prose is weakened by newsroom clichés, it is at least "clean and consistent" enough to tell a satisfying story (Newsday). Like any devotee, Rosenblum has his favor
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Jun 21, 2009
Chris
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Before this book I read "The True History of Chocolate" (Coe & Coe) and found the Rosenblum book much more entertaining but still edifying. Sure, he's a reporter looking to get up to speed with something in just two years, but unlike the diligent Coes, the writing is brisk and enjoyable. I particularly appreciated his willingness to be critical of some producers for taking advantage of people willing to pay top dollar for good chocolate and not caring what the fantastic packaging conta
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Dec 08, 2008
Powells.com
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"Nine of every ten persons say they love chocolate. The tenth lies." Starting with a quote from revered gourmand Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, Rosenblum sets the tone for his in-depth study of a worldwide passion. Few things produce as visceral a response as chocolate. The smell, texture, and deep glossy color, not to mention the taste, have bewitched humans for millennia. From chocolate's beginnings as a sacred elixir in ancient cultures to its current status as a sensual and oh-so-necess
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Feb 15, 2011
Jessica
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Rosenblum sets out to find out about chocolate, and suceeds, traveling all over the world in his journey. He interviews fine chocolate makers and tasters, but also plantation workers who harvest the cacao beans, not to mention the Mexican mamas who treasure their family mole recipes. He regales the reader with the history of the Aztecs and their worship of chocolate, debunks a number of myths about chocolate (it doesn't make you fat, and isn't an aphrodisiac, for instance), as well as introduc
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Feb 02, 2012
Julie
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It took me a couple of years to read this book. It spent most of it's time sitting idly on my nightstand. I finally decided I was tired of looking at it and wanted it finished so I could stick it on a bookshelf. Once I set my mind to it, it was pretty good, not a page turner though. The other problem was everytime I read it, I felt the need to eat good chocolate. Most of the chocolates he mentioned are difficult to find in the States, but Jean Paul Hevin in Paris, wow! It was nice to have
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Jul 07, 2010
Jennifer
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SO AMAZING! Who hates Chocolate, anyway?
I actually ate chocolate on more than one occasion while I read this. I highly recommend you do the same if you're planning on reading it.
Just the way that he describes this delicious foodstuff makes you feel like you're out there with him, searching for cocao and wishing for Valrhona chocolate. After reading this book, I've decided someday I'm going to do chocolate tasting and I have more appreciation for chocolate in general. It was nice tak More...
I actually ate chocolate on more than one occasion while I read this. I highly recommend you do the same if you're planning on reading it.
Just the way that he describes this delicious foodstuff makes you feel like you're out there with him, searching for cocao and wishing for Valrhona chocolate. After reading this book, I've decided someday I'm going to do chocolate tasting and I have more appreciation for chocolate in general. It was nice tak More...
Nov 29, 2009
Doug
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For me this was an update on "The Emperors of Chocolate", but this time a bit more wide ranging and spending a bit more time on the finished product. While a fair bit of time was spent introducing the reader to the fragile, magic bean, much of the time was spent with the 'middle' users, those who take it and either turn it into semi-finished chocolate for use in manufacture of a finished product, or those that take and turn it into the finished product -- either mundane or heavenly.
Sep 07, 2007
Raja99
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I read the Large Print edition, since my library lost the normal-print edition.
I rate this 8/10. My feelings are a bit mixed; the author is a journalist (or reads like it) and seems a bit sloppy (as I tend to think of most journalists as being). I'm not overwhelmingly happy with the organization of this book; it's almost like a fixup of short pieces for magazines. Perhaps because of that, or perhaps because of the large print, I had to check this book out from the library twice *and* More...
I rate this 8/10. My feelings are a bit mixed; the author is a journalist (or reads like it) and seems a bit sloppy (as I tend to think of most journalists as being). I'm not overwhelmingly happy with the organization of this book; it's almost like a fixup of short pieces for magazines. Perhaps because of that, or perhaps because of the large print, I had to check this book out from the library twice *and* More...
Dec 21, 2010
Amber
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As a foodie I can't say enough about this book. Easy to read, fun to learn. A must for any foodie and anyone who considers themselves a chocolate lover. Would make a great gift. The only caveat--you'll want to visit and try all the "good" chocolate makers when you hear what that really means. Prepare to indulge and enlighten. For fans of SALT by Mark Kurlansky especially (and vice versa).
Apr 22, 2009
Randi
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Ach -- another self-indulgent memoir-esgue book. More about the author and his partner than chocolate itself.
Could not get into the rhythm of this story.
Could not get into the rhythm of this story.
Jul 27, 2011
Hope
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It was ok. Sometimes felt pretty repetitive. I did learn some things. My favorite was the chapter about Nutella because I could identify more with that than with the world of fancy chocolate.
Jan 25, 2009
Chocolate: A Bittersweet Saga of Dark and Light by Mort Rosenblum (2005)
Jul 30, 2008
Elizabeth
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this book is absolutely fascinating! the history of chocolate begins with the mayans and is linked to the aztecs. the spaniards' invasion of the americas introduced the cacao bean to europe - where chocolate is transformed into pieces of art. there's a lot here about the growing of the trees, the picking and drying out the beans and the difference one more stir or one degree can make in the final product. i would love to taste so many of the various chocolates mentioned. often compared to w
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Sep 18, 2008
Chris
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I like to know how things work, and I found that this book about how chocolate is grown, processed, shipped, and made was a great read. It talks to the people who grow the pods, about the trees and their evolution. It talks to people who are passionate about each stage in the process and some of the most decadent and sought after final products in the world. It is not the fastest or easiest read if you are just in the mood for a good novel, but it will give you a much deeper appreciation for the
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Aug 31, 2007
Ren
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For the most part an interesting book covering many aspects of chocolate from cultivation to production and within production from a mass market candy bar to a painstakingly crafted work of art. Shame on Mort though for not putting together a resource list in the back (maybe that is against journalist rules though). Warning though, it does make one want to eat chocolate (and very expensive chocolate at that). As proof you should see the library book I read, covered in chocolate smears and I c
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Jun 27, 2008
Ana
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I probably would never have read or finished this book if it wasn't a book group selection. I did appreciate the portion on the history of cacao in the Americas, his discussion of the various growing regions around the world, and the chapter on Hershey (interesting guy!). But, overall I did not really care for Rosenblum's writing style which felt too journalistic-- yes, I know he was a journalist. I also didn't have much interest in all the various details about fine choclatiers (sp?)in Europe
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May 07, 2011
Erica
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So, I am a fiction girl on most fronts, but something about this book intrigued me. I am soooo glad I read it! Only took 2 days, could NOT put it down. This author has a way with the written word! He talks about the characters in the chocolate business, as well as some politics surrounding it, cultivating the cacoa plant, machinery used in making chocolate, everything! And, best of all, he really makes it interesting, felt as if I was reading a novel, not a non fictional account of a food! Defin
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Aug 15, 2008
Rachel
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Enjoyable, educational, funny, delicious. Add a bit more history to this and it's what I hoped Salt would be. The debates of how different countries take their chocolate was really amusing: I guess, by and large, I'm more French than American in the chocolate world. I like mine dark and while Hershey has its place (and smelled great going to college 8 miles away) that place is on s'mores most of the time or else with Hershey kisses on peanut butter cookies.
Jun 08, 2008
MJ
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I'm halfway through this excellent history of chocolate. A wonderful writer, Rosenblum takes you through the manufacturing process, the wars between Mars & Hershey, the significance of chocolate to the early native americans, and so much more I can't tell you all. It is engaging and chatty and you feel you are with him as he tracks down expert chocolatiers in the alleyways of Paris. Must read for anyone really serious about their chocolate consumption!
Oct 01, 2009
Kirsti
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The history was interesting and some of the details about current producers of chocolate, but overall it is more fun to eat chocolate than read about someone else eating it.
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Oct 01, 2008
Katie
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I really enjoyed this book because the topic was always interesting to me no matter my mood and I learned a lot. I have definitely added going to France to taste their chocolate as a life goal. But, just to warn you--I read this right before bed every night and it made me incredibly hungry for chocolate at that time.
Feb 10, 2012
Robin (RBBR)
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This is the History of Chocolate including the Legends and Lore surrounding it, the processes used in its manufacture and the many uses found for it. It is a very interesting read although being a History book is it a bit slow at times. If you are a lover of Chocolate and enjoy History than I recommend this book.
Dec 24, 2007
Arne
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Overall, it was good. Rosenblum is a good writer. However, it was somewhat fragmented. The story didn't seem to run in parallel to his travels. I think I was also ready to pack it in much earlier...I think it could've been a little shorter. His book Olives is much, much better.
Aug 05, 2010
Alicia
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This book made me want to try different types of chocolate, but does not provide much information on the history of chocolate or how chocolate is made. Also, there are no citations for any of the data the author provides. A quick read.
Apr 30, 2008
Kami
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I really enjoyed this very in depth history of the history, biology, economics, politics, and flavors of chocolate. Who knew there was so much to learn about something that I love so much?
Nov 26, 2010
Not as good as the Olive book, but interesting. I think the chapter on Hershey was a little harsh, but I suppose taste is subjective.
Jul 01, 2009
Heather
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Finished this last night. Each chapter is its own flavor, some appealing to me more than others. Overall, a good, interesting read about one of life's tastiest morsels!
