Portrait of an Oyster - by Andreas Ammer (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"Narrated with awe and gusto, Andreas Ammer's Portrait of an Oyster is a must for all who find their joy on the half shell ... Funny, thoughtful, and tastebud-piquing"--Foreword Reviews

A gorgeously crafted exploration of the oyster's role in art, culture, cuisine, science, and history--featuring stunning full-color illustrations.

Everyone recalls eating their first oyster, just like they remember their first kiss ...

Portrait of an Oyster delves beyond the shucked shell to reveal the rich and surprising world of the oyster and the artists, philosophers, explorers, and chefs the mollusk has inspired across the centuries. Illustrated with full-color paintings, vintage advertisements, line drawings, and archival photographs, Portrait of an Oyster 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.

Did you know that oysters shift their gender several times over the course of their lifetimes? They have one muscle that serves to keep 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.

In 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. Portrait of an Oyster 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.

This book's stunning features include:

• Full-color paintings, vintage advertisements, and archival photographs.
• Intriguing insights into the biology, reproduction, and cultivation of oysters.
• Sumptuous travelogs to renowned oyster restaurants and oyster farms.
• Unique backmatter: A glorious guide to global oyster varieties, with drawings and descriptions of each specimen.

Review Quotes

"A decadent horror story (for the oyster) narrated with awe and gusto, Andreas Ammer's Portrait of an Oyster is must for all who find their joy on the half shell... Funny, thoughtful, and tastebud-piquing... a celebratory tribute to the "bewitching" mollusk that transforms dining experiences from ordinary to great."
--Foreword Reviews

"An elegant and illuminating journey through the culture and history of the world's best bivalve, Portrait of an Oyster gracefully joins the pantheon of essential works illuminating the oyster's elusive charms."
--Rowan Jacobsen, author of A Geography of Oysters

"Pleasingly unlike any other book in the genre, Portrait of An Oyster is a joyful, erudite romp through the history, biology, and symbolism of the world's favorite bivalve. Ammer's thoughtful and wry prose ranges from raunchy to morbid, sentimental to scientific with gorgeous results. This is an essential addition to any oyster-lover's bookshelf."
--Karen Pinchin, author of Kings of Their Own Ocean

About the Author

Andreas Ammer is a television producer, university lecturer, opera director, and the author of numerous award-winning radio plays in collaboration with different musicians. He lives in Munich.

Renée von Paschen, born in Canada, is a literary translator, conference interpreter, and bilingual poet. She has taught literary translation, as well as theater, film, and media, at several universities. She won a Cine Golden Eagle for best history documentary in 2008.