Join us for another exciting PEM Reads event and join author Nick Nugent in conversation about his new book The Spice Ports: Mapping the Origins of the Global Sea Trade.

This event will include a 90-minute discussion with the author, followed by a book signing. Advance copies are available at the PEM Shop.

About the Book
Lessons from history and geography combine in this fascinating study of how globalization as we know it emerged from empire-building and trade between the spice ports. Lavishly illustrated with antique maps and city views, each chapter covers one port and its culture, literature, architecture and science. Explore Venice to Batavia (modern Ja­karta), Lisbon to Malacca and Cape Town to Singapore.

Along the way, Nugent explores the science of Copernicus and Galileo, traces the botanical studies of Darwin and dives into word origins, map making, naval technology and early economic concepts. The book also examines how slavery and colonization played a role in creating these networks of global sea trade.

PEM Reads celebrates the art of literature and the creative act of writing through a year-round series of collaborative book club readings and author events, both in person and online. By gathering to read and discuss world-class literature and meet authors, PEM Reads seeks to deepen our sense of community and celebrate great storytelling. We hope you’ll join us!

About the Author

Nicholas Nugent has 40 years of experience researching and reporting for BBC World Service. He is the author of a biography of Rajiv Gandhi and a book about post-war Vietnam and continuing journalism. He is also a collector of early maps.