Spices are so familiar that much of the time we ignore their provenance, but they carry within them an unparalleled magic - one that inspires greed, lust, romance, nostalgia and perhaps most importantly of all, the power to enthral cooks and consumers alike. This fascinating book opens the cupboard to reveal not just their culinary prowess, in the form of over 90 delicious recipes for spiced dishes from all over the world, but also their stories - for every spice has its own unique story, just as it has its own particular scent and magic. In this intriguing and practical guide, each spice has a dedicated entry, exploring its origins and voyages, its various culinary forms, and offering a selection of tempting recipes that exploit its unique aroma and flavour. In addition, there is a compendium of spice blends, ranging from the familiar to more exotic spice mixes. Beautiful and informative photographs by award-winning photographer David Loftus enhance the appeal of this exceptional book.