Evening with Author William Alexander re: his new book "Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World"

Eagle Harbor Book Company continues its summer book launch events with acclaimed local author William Alexander, who releases his lively and fascinating new book Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World: A History. William, a frequent NPR guest and occasional NY Times Op-editor,  is one of America’s funniest writers and his latest book is both engaging and funny, yet down-to-earth.  His last book, The $64 Tomato, detailed his hilarious descent into insanity and ultimate triumph while laboring to grow his own tomatoes for the first time. Ten Tomatoes continues his focus on the world’s most popular vegetable (wait, fruit?) with a culinary and historical travelogue of its rise, significance and continued dominance in world cuisines.  From its rise as a small bitter berry in South America, it witnessed the overnight vaporization of a thriving civilization, fell victim to the excesses of the Renaissance, and revolutionized the diet of a new nation.  The dramatic, and at times humorous, life of the mighty tomato is told with all the requisite drama, and humor that we expect from William. You won’t want to miss this event.

Critical advance praise for Ten Tomatoes includes:

“From the man who grew us The $64 Tomato, William Alexander is back in the garden…as well as in pizzerias in Naples (Italy), a ketchup factory, the local Pizza Hut, large-scale tomatoes farms in Naples (Florida), and the farmers markets where heirloom tomatoes are having their day in the sun, again. Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World is a fascinating and funny tell-all tale of how ten tomatoes are shaping our lives in unusual, unexpected, and (in some cases) very delicious directions.”– David Lebovitz, author of Drinking French and My Paris Kitchen

“William Alexander is a delightful guide on this whirlwind tour of the tomato’s influence on global cuisine and culture. His trademark blend of history, botany, memoir and travelogue make Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World a captivating–and appetizing–read for gardeners and cooks alike.”– Amy Stewart, New York Times bestselling author of The Drunken Botanist

William Alexander is the author of four critically-acclaimed books, a frequent NPR guest, and an occasional NY Times op-ed contributor. He’s the author of four books, including the best-seller The $64 Tomato. Visit William Alexander’s website here.