Spice Trade

Children's Literature

This title in the "Great Journeys" series—which presents some of history's greatest journeys and how a trade route or an exploration changed the world—covers the importance and lure of spices. There is a long history of spices connected to the age of sailing and traders. Spices were often traded for other goods in the markets. Islamic forces gained control over the spice trade and spread their religion along the trade routes. Some individuals highlighted in this history are the Prophet Mohammed, the Queen of Sheba and Pliny the Elder. There is a section on the modern spice trade and one should not miss the information on "The Spice Heist." A spice trade timeline, activity—making a simple astrolabe, a quiz, further research, a glossary, and an index are included. One may need to use a more in-depth book for further information and detail. 2005, Weigl Publishers Inc, $26 and Ages 8 to 12.
—Naomi Butler