A Dark History of Chocolate

By Emma Kay

A Dark History of Chocolate looks at our long relationship with this ancient ‘food of the Gods’. The book examines the impact of the cocoa bean trade on the economies of Britain and the rest of Europe, as well as its influence on health, cultural and social trends over the centuries. Renowned food historian Emma Kay takes a look behind the façade of chocolate – first as a hot drink and then as a sweet – delving into the murky and mysterious aspects of its phenomenal global growth, from a much-prized hot beverage in pre-Colombian Central America to becoming an integral part of the cultural fabric of modern life.

From the seductive corridors of Versailles, serial killers, witchcraft, medicine and war to its manufacturers, the street sellers, criminal gangs, explorers and the arts, chocolate has played a significant role in some of the world’s deadliest and gruesome histories.

If you thought chocolate was all Easter bunnies, romance and gratuity, then you only know half the story. This most ancient of foods has a heritage rooted in exploitation, temptation and mystery.

With the power to be both life-giving and ruinous.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pen and Sword
• Release date: Nov 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781526768315

Emma Kay

Emma is a post-graduate historian and former senior museum worker. Now, food historian, author and prolific collector of Kitchenalia. She lives in the Cotswolds with her husband and young son. Her articles have appeared in publications including BBC History Magazine, The Daily Express, Daily Mail and Times Literary Supplement. She has contributed historic food research for a number of television production companies and featured several times on Talk Radio Europe, BBC Hereford and Worcester, BBC Coventry and Warwickshire and LifeFM.In 2018 she appeared in a ten-part series for the BBC and Hungry Gap Productions, 'The Best Christmas Food Ever' and on BBC Countryfile, co-presenting a feature exploring the heritage of the black pear. She has delivered talks for Bath Literature Festival, Stroud Book Festival, 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, The Women’s Institute and Freckleton Library among others.Emma has had six books published including: Dining with the Georgians (2014), Dining with the Victorians (2015), Cooking up History: Chefs of the Past (2017), Vintage Kitchenalia (2017), More than a Sauce: A Culinary History of Worcestershire (2018), Stinking Bishops and Spotty Pigs: A History of Gloucestershire's Food and Drink (2019). She is currently researching for several new titles.Emma is a member of The Guild of Food Writers.