griphuz

Hi guys,

I came across this book online, and thought it might be interesting fore some of you;


Dan Koeppel "Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World"
ISBN: 0452290082 | 304 pages | PDF | 1,2 MB


In the vein of the bestselling Salt and Cod, a gripping chronicle of the myth, mystery, and uncertain fate of the world’s most popular fruit

In this fascinating and surprising exploration of the banana’s history, cultural significance, and endangered future, award-winning journalist Dan Koeppel gives readers plenty of food for thought. Fast-paced and highly entertaining, Banana takes us from jungle to supermarket, from corporate boardrooms to kitchen tables around the world. We begin in the Garden of Eden—examining scholars’ belief that Eve’s “apple” was actually a banana— and travel to early-twentieth-century Central America, where aptly named “banana republics” rose and fell over the crop, while the companies now known as Chiquita and Dole conquered the marketplace. Koeppel then chronicles the banana’s path to the present, ultimately—and most alarmingly—taking us to banana plantations across the globe that are being destroyed by a fast-moving blight, with no cure in sight—and to the high-tech labs where new bananas are literally being built in test tubes, in a race to save the world’s most beloved fruit.


Kind regards,
Remko.

Bob

Great book! Just got done reading it for maybe the third time, lots of great info and well written and researched.

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bananabook

Hi - I'm the author of "Banana," and though I don't participate much in the bananas.org forums, I do read them and love the community. And while I'm always happy that somebody likes the book and recommends it, I'm not always as happy when downloadable PDFs are included, so I've requested that the the attachments be removed. Sorry.

Use your public library. The book is in many of them.

Thanks,

Dan Koeppel

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Dan Koeppel
author: "Banana: The Fate of the Fruit that Changed the World"

Bananaman88

Yes, this is a very good book and well worth the money you will spend. Great history on how the big banana companies got their start.

bananabook

Thanks. The PDF links have been removed; I know that enterprising readers can find them on their own. I only wish that my publisher would make a reasonably-priced, full-featured (annotations, notes, links, etc.) eBook available. But making that happen is not within the power of a lowly banana-obsessed author.

By the way, I'm more than happy to communicate and answer questions; you can either send me a PM or contact me via my website, www.bananabook.org, or directly: info at bananabook dot org.

thanks again,

Dan Koeppel

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Dan Koeppel
author: "Banana: The Fate of the Fruit that Changed the World"

Bananaman88

Mr. Koeppel,

It's very nice of you to offer to answer questions via PM or your website. Your book really is very informative and I don't think any of us blame you for not wanting a free PDF of your book posted. You certainly have the right to make money off or your own hard work. It's nice to know that you are "lurking" even if we don't often see you here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

momoese

Dan I see that you're in Los Angeles. What bananas are you growing?

TommyMacLuckie

I'm reading the book again. For the 10th time I think. I always find something I missed. As well as learn what I forgot. I need to take notes and make my own map. Great book. It's my favourite book in general!

I'm still curious to find a Gros Michel to grow at home.

I had no idea about the PDF thing. Those things are annoying anyway!

bananabook

In reply to the (old) question about what bananas I'm (as author of the book) growing, the answer - then - was none, since I lived in a rented house. As of last month, though, my wife and I are new southern california homeowners. The answer is still none - but my question is: What breeds should I grow?

(We have lots of sun, good water availability, but a fairly well-sloped back yard…)

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Dan Koeppel
author: "Banana: The Fate of the Fruit that Changed the World"

Bob

You seemed fond of lacatan I recalll in the book might be a good one! I'm partial to "Gros Michel" so of course that would be my first choice in your climate.

Great book man, I still pick it up and read it occaisionally and look through it often when I want some certain information.

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DoctorSteve

Nice to interact with the Author of the book that got me started on bananas. Not eating them but wanting to grow them.

The book got me interested in FHIA varieties as well as bananas that have a high carotenoid content (that started when I learned of the Fe'i from the book).

Many people on here say the Goldfinger is very good, plus it is hardy, so I am growing on of those. You might try that if you haven't grown any as it is easy to grow.

revensen

Mr Koeppel,

I really enjoyed reading your book. Before reading I had some basic knowledge of the banana industry, this book really opened my eyes to the dirty history of the industry.

Thanks for a fascinating read!

Bob

barrie

This has to be one of the most fascinating and interesting horticultural books I've ever read...the history, the sadness, and fears for the future of the beloved banana, all makes for a quite gripping read!

Thoroughly recommended.

Barrie Sheerman.

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barrieboy