All Over Albany

Talking about the history of apples

Apple nerding: Marcia Reiss -- author of the new book Apple -- will be at the Historic Barns of Nipmoose in Rensselaer County October 18 for a "an illustrated talk about the history of the apple and its place in myth, religion, art and today's environmental challenges."

Here's publisher blurbage about Apple:

Journeying back to the apple's germination in the mountains of Central Asia, Reiss travels along the Silk Road to Europe and the New World. She reveals that, from Charlemagne to Johnny Appleseed to the colonization of South Africa, where settlers were required to plant apple orchards that led to the development of new towns, apples have become a global commodity. In addition to delving into the latest debates about chemical sprays, Reiss looks at the rise of heirloom orchards and the hopes and fears of genetic developments. She also tells the parallel tale of apple cider, its decline during the Temperance Movement and its return as an artisanal alternative to wine. Beautifully illustrated with historic and contemporary images and containing a directory of popular and heirloom varieties, Apple is a book ripe for devouring.

The event at the Historic Barns of Nipmoose is Sunday, October 18 at 2 pm. It's organized by the Agricultural Stewardship Association and Battenkill Books. It will also include heirloom apples and cheese from Berle Farm, along with samples of local cider. The event is free, but the ASA asks that your RSVP at 518-692-7285.

Earlier on AOA: Beyond boring apples