Candy: The Sweet History
A candy saleswoman, developer and consultant, Kimmerle pays homage to the sweets industry in this colorfully designed history. More coffee-table display than serious study, the book emphasizes the artistry of candy packaging and advertisements while providing an overview of all the many confections of "sugar that has been cooked." Candy, Kimmerle reveals, was once a luxury enjoyed mostly by the rich and the royal, an expensive treat that relied upon then-exotic ingredients like cane sugar and cocoa. The modern candy industry took form in the early 19th century, and many favorite American candies have been around for nearly a century. LifeSavers were invented in 1912; Tootsie Rolls date back to 1896. Licorice, taffy, nougat, jelly beans, caramels and marshmallows all make appearances in Kimmerle's book, which is illustrated with images of retro candy ads and novelty packages. But the heart of the book is "Piece By Piece," a long chapter offering brief histories of candy businesses like M&M; Mars, Frank Fleet Gum Company and the Ferrara Pan Company (makers of Lemonheads). A dozen recipes for treats like Candied Grapefruit Peel, Thirty-Minute Caramels and Non Pariels is also provided, but this book will please mostly readers interested in candy design and industry.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.