Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma

Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke (eBook, ePUB)

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma's 'Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke' is a groundbreaking work that delves into the history, medicinal properties, and cultural significance of chocolate in 17th century Europe. Written in a scholarly and informative style, this book provides a detailed account of how chocolate was introduced to Spain from the New World and its subsequent popularity among the elite. Colmenero de Ledesma explores the preparation methods, health benefits, and rituals associated with consuming chocolate, shedding light on its role as both a luxurious indulgence and a therapeutic substance. This book stands out for its meticulous research and rich language, offering readers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of chocolate consumption. Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma, a Spanish physician and writer, was uniquely positioned to write 'Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke' due to his expertise in both medicine and literature. His in-depth knowledge and passion for the subject are evident throughout the book, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the history of chocolate or culinary traditions. Overall, 'Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke' is a captivating read that will appeal to scholars, history enthusiasts, and food lovers alike.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: DigiCat
• Seitenzahl: 22
• Erscheinungstermin: 16. September 2022
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 8596547339151
• Artikelnr.: 65838546

Autorenporträt

Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma was a Spanish physician and writer of the early 17th century, known for his contributions to the medical field and his work on the subject of chocolate. His most famous treatise, 'Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke', originally published in Spanish as 'Curioso tratado de la naturaleza y calidad del chocolate', translates and elaborates on the preparation and health benefits of chocolate, which was then a relatively new delicacy in Europe, having been introduced from the Americas. Colmenero de Ledesma's book serves as one of the earliest European texts dedicated to the subject. He combined his medical expertise and knowledge of New World botany to assert chocolate's medicinal properties, helping to popularize its consumption among the European aristocracy of the time (Coe & Coe, 2007; Norton, 2006). His scholarly approach included citing other eminent figures and incorporating aspects of humoral theory, which underpinned much of the medical understanding during that era. By framing chocolate within this medical paradigm, Colmenero de Ledesma contributed to the beverage's integration into the pharmacopoeias of Europe and its subsequent diffusion into everyday life. His literary style is characteristic of Renaissance didactic works, merging scientific inquiry with a pedagogical intent, thus encapsulating the transitional phase between medieval scholasticism and empirical enquiry that defined the period's scientific explorations.