The Banana - (At Table) by James Wiley (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The banana is the world's most important fresh fruit commodity. Little more than a century old, the global banana industry began in the late 1880s as a result of technological advances such as refrigerated shipping, which facilitated the transportation of this highly perishable good to distant markets. Since its inception the banana industry has been fraught with controversy, exhibiting many of the issues underlying the basic global economic relations that first emerged in the era of European colonialism. Perhaps more than any other agricultural product, the banana reflects the evolution of the world economy. At each stage changes in the global economy manifested themselves in the economic geography of banana production and trade. This remains true today as neoliberal imperatives drive the globalization process and mandate freer trade, influencing the patterns of the transatlantic banana trade. The Banana demystifies the banana trade and its path toward globalization. It reviews interregional relationships in the industry and the changing institutional framework governing global trade and assesses the roles of such major players as the European Union and the World Trade Organization. It also analyzes the forces driving today's economy, such as the competitiveness imperative, diversification processes, and niche market strategies. Its final chapter suggests how the outcome of the recent banana war will affect bananas and trade in other commodities sectors as well. The Banana belies the common perception of globalization as a monolithic and irresistible force and reveals instead various efforts to resist or modify the process at local and national levels. Nevertheless, the banana does represent another step toward a globalized and industrialized agricultural economy.

Review Quotes

"The Banana provides an exceptionally clear, informative, and comprehensive account of the banana's place in history. . . . A must-read for anyone interested in this important commodity, globalization, trade disputes, and the histories of Latin America and the Caribbean."--Steve Striffler, Journal of Latin American Geography

"Because of its long-term comparative nature, The Banana should become obligatory reference to those studying the political economy of the banana industry during the twentieth century."--Marcelo Bucheli, EH.net-- (10/1/2008 12:00:00 AM)

"For those interested in understanding the contemporary configuration of an industry that is truly global in its reach, The Banana is an excellent place to start."--Mark Moberg, Hispanic American Historical Review

About the Author

James Wiley is an associate professor of geography at Hofstra University.