Product Description

The locations read like the contents of an exotic holiday brochure: Tahiti, Madagascar, Reunion, Seychelles and the Gulf Coast of Mexico - all of them inextricably linked with the story of Vanilla the world's most versatile flavour. Vanilla is a botanical mystery a uniquely sensual plant who's secret was unlocked by a 12 year African slave in 1841. Aristocrats, apothecaries and modern day tycoons have all chased The Luscious Substance' - and the wealth it brings. Endangered in the wild, Vanilla is now more valuable than at any time in history - a value that places is at the centre of a secretive multimillion dollar trade for which men are being murdered. Tim Ecott has sought out vanilla's rich history and in doing so has brought to life these faraway, fascinating, misunderstood places. Confirming the promise of his debut, Neutral Buoyancy, this is travel writing of the highest order.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #464343 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-26
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Review
'A ready reading style, energetic research and wide reading' Guardian 'Fascinating, appealing and forthright. Ecott has hit the jackpot' Independent 'Finely observed description, a meticulously researched, highly competent book' Traveller

Giles Foden, Condé Nast Traveller
'Vanilla is a fascinating historical investigation with exotic travel thrown in, and where the interest never slackens.'

About the Author
Tim Ecott is the author of the hugely successful Neutral Buoyancy. He joined the BBC World Service as a producer and correspondent in news and current affairs. A specialist on Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean he spent two years based in the Seychelles where he developed a parallel career as a dive leader. He lives in Richmond, London.