*Includes pictures *Includes contemporary accounts of the VOC's expeditions and conflicts *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading *Includes a table of contents “Whereas pepper has nothing in it that can plead as a recommendation to fruit or berry, its only desirable quality being a certain pungency; and yet it is for this that we import it all the way from India!” – Pliny the Elder From classic grilled meat to exotic and savory 5-star dishes, pepper has long been the ultimate staple spice. While bulk pepper may be readily stocked in supermarkets and convenience stores today, there was once a time when the common spice was considered one of the most valuable commodities in the world. Merchants tripped over one another to get their hands on the tiny black beads, which live in colorful clusters of berry-like shells reminiscent of Christmas lights. They were so precious that an uncountable number of men crossed the turbulent and uncharted seas for them. In fact, the tropical spice was so highly sought after that blood was shed over the edible gold.