From its origins in Renaissance gardens that shaped the Medici dynasty to its power to ward off scurvy and its role in the creation of the mob, the lemon is a fruit steeped in history and intrigue. Its juice, used as invisible ink since 600 CE, has penned covert messages, while its vibrant yellow hue has captivated the eyes of Old Masters and modern artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol. The Gourmand delves into the lemonâs intricate genealogy, explores its literary significance in the works of Joan Didion, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tom Wolfe, and James Joyce, and examines its symbolic representation of the American dream through lemonade stands.
The lemonâs influence extends beyond art and literature into the world of design, from Philippe Starck's iconic Juicy Salif to the revolutionary Jif Lemon. It also graces decorative arts, appearing in everything from Arts and Crafts wallpapers to mythological ceramics, even entangling itself in the literary love affairs of the famed Bloomsbury Group.
This volume is accompanied by a foreword from renowned chef and food writer Simon Hopkinson and an introduction by art critic and author Jennifer Higgie. It features more than 60 lemon-inspired recipes from global cuisines, including perfect poultry, decadent sauces, classic cocktails, and indulgent desserts, all captured in custom photography by Bobby Doherty.
HARDCOVER | 272 Pages