Dying on the Vine chronicles 150 years of scientific warfare against the grapevine's worst enemy: phylloxera. In a book that is highly relevant for the wine industry today, George Gale describes the biological and economic disaster that unfolded when a tiny, root-sucking insect invaded the south of France in the 1860s, spread throughout Europe, and journeyed across oceans to Africa, South America, Australia, and California-laying waste to vineyards wherever it landed. He tells how scientists, viticulturalists, researchers, and others came together to save the world's vineyards and, with years of observation and research, developed a strategy of resistance. Among other topics, the book discusses phylloxera as an important case study of how one invasive species can colonize new habitats and examines California's past and present problems with it.
By:
George D. Gale Jr.
Imprint: University of California Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
Spine: 28mm
Weight: 590g
ISBN: 9780520265486
ISBN 10: 0520265483
Pages: 336
Publication Date: 05 July 2011
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
"List of Illustrations Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Disaster Strikes: ""All your vines are fatally condemned to disappear, Monsieur"" 2. La Defense: Sand, Submersion, and Sulfiding 3. La Reconstitution 4. The Underground Battle: Grafting on American Rootstock 5. Phylloxera Makes the European Grand Tour 6. The Bug Goes South: New Venues, Same Story 7. The Old Americans, or How the Fox Conquered Europe 8. Phylloxera Breaks Out (Twice) in California Conclusion Appendix A. Life Cycle of Phylloxera Appendix B. American Wild Grape Species Appendix C. Old American Varieties Glossary Bibliography Index"
George Gale is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the author of Theory of Science. He has written about phylloxera for The World of Fine Wine magazine and other publications.
Reviews for Dying on the Vine: How Phylloxera Transformed Wine
Describes for the first time in great detail the worldwide grape blight of the late 19th century. --College & Research Libraries News Describes for the first time in great detail the worldwide grape blight of the late 19th century. --College & Research Libraries News A fascinating read for anyone interested in grapevines and/or the philosophy of science. --Choice
- Commended for IACP Crystal Whisk Award (Culinary History) 2012
