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1 year ago in Bibliography , History By Aamir

What specific historical literature exists on the subject of sugar and confectionery during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?

I'm beginning a project and need to build a foundational bibliography. I'm looking for both major secondary works that provide analysis and guidance on relevant primary sources like recipe manuscripts, trade documents, or travel accounts that discuss these commodities.

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By Pragati Answered 1 year ago

You should start with several cornerstone works. Sidney Mintz's Sweetness and Power, while broader, is essential for the global context. For focused analysis, consult "The Sugar Barons" by Matthew Parker and "Sugar and Spice" edited by Jon Stobart. For primary sources, I recommend exploring "The Queen-like Closet" by Hannah Woolley and manuscript collections like the "Wellcome Apothecary Recipes." From my research, the literature robustly covers three areas: the colonial plantation economy, the medical and social role of confectionery in Europe, and the gendered domestic management of sugar. These works will provide both your analysis and a roadmap to archival materials.

   

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