Ten Tomatoes by William Alexander

Ten Tomatoes: That Changed the World

by William Alexander

A Washington State Book Award Finalist

Extended Synopsis

In Ten Tomatoes: That Changed the World, New York Times bestselling author William Alexander delivers an engaging microhistory of a fruit that has long suffered an identity crisis. For centuries, the tomato was cast into the dustbin of agricultural history—feared as poisonous, subjected to harsh industrial gassing, and even weaponized as a projectile. Yet, against all odds, it has evolved into the very avatar of our modern disaffection with industrial food systems, simultaneously reigning as the most popular vegetable globally.

Alexander seamlessly weaves together travel, history, humor, and a dash of misadventure. His meticulous research tracks the tomato's astonishing trajectory, introducing readers to a colorful cast of conquistadors, con artists, and even the Mafia. From the iconic Heinz ketchup bottle earning its place in the Smithsonian to the modern phenomenon of climate-controlled mega-greenhouses the size of New England villages, this book is a mouth-watering guide to the food that captured the world's heart.

Reader Targeting

• Culinary Historians: Readers fascinated by the origins, evolution, and cultural impact of global food systems.
• Non-Fiction Enthusiasts: Fans of microhistories who enjoy deep dives into singular, unexpected subjects.
• Agriculturists & Gardeners: Anyone interested in the shift from traditional farming to modern, climate-controlled mega-greenhouses.

Accolades & Awards

• Washington State Book Award Finalist.
• Praised by New York Times bestselling author Mark Pendergrast as an "entertaining, broad-ranging history."
• Recognized as a definitive and erudite microhistory of the tomato.

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