{"product_id":"portrait-of-an-oyster","title":"Portrait of an Oyster","description":"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Narrated with awe and gusto, Andreas Ammer’s \u003ci\u003ePortrait of an Oyster \u003c\/i\u003eis a must for all who find their joy on the half shell … Funny, thoughtful, and tastebud-piquing'—\u003ci\u003eForeword Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA gorgeously crafted exploration of the oyster’s role in art, culture, cuisine, science, and history—featuring stunning full-colour illustrations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eEveryone recalls eating their first oyster, just like they remember their first kiss …\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003ePortrait of an Oyster\u003c\/i\u003e delves beyond the shucked shell to reveal the rich and surprising world of the oyster and the artists, philosophers, explorers, and chefs the mollusc has inspired across the centuries. Illustrated with full-colour paintings, vintage advertisements, line drawings, and archival photographs, \u003ci\u003ePortrait of an Oyster\u003c\/i\u003e shares intriguing insights into the biology and cultivation of oysters as the author embarks on an expedition across Europe and North America to taste some of the world’s best.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDid you know that oysters shift their gender several times over the course of their lifetimes? They have one muscle that keeps their two shells clamped firmly shut, and a heart and basic circulatory system largely dependent on seawater—although they have no brain or known nervous system.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the French region of Marennes-Oléron—where much of the technology of modern oysters farming was pioneered—oysters are still considered among the finest in the world. Like champagne, oysters from this region are protected by geographic distinction laws, with some even getting initials lasered into their shells, to preserve their prestige. \u003ci\u003ePortrait of an Oyster\u003c\/i\u003e travels across France, Europe, and North America, sampling some of the best oysters and restaurants in the world, including in the UK and Copenhagen, and then Boston, New York, New Orleans, and San Francisco.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis book’s stunning features include:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull-colour paintings, vintage advertisements, and archival photographs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntriguing insights into the biology, reproduction, and cultivation of oysters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSumptuous travelogs to renowned oyster restaurants and oyster farms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnique backmatter: A glorious guide to global oyster varieties, with drawings and descriptions of each specimen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Greystone Books,Canada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54230473933144,"sku":"9781778401275","price":21.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/1295\/4195\/files\/9781778401275.jpg?v=1765878336","url":"https:\/\/agendabookshop.com\/products\/portrait-of-an-oyster","provider":"Agenda Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}