The Frozen Water Trade (Text Only)
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Everybody everywhere enjoys imbibing beverages 'on the rocks' probably without ever sparing a thought about how the frozen wherewithal was achieved before the advent of artificial refrigeration. This book tells the fascinating tale of Frederic Tudor, a diminutive Bostonian of Devonshire descent, who in the early 19th century evolved the idea of transporting New England ice to the four corners of the earth to cool fevered brows, aid in the creation of ice cream and deliver a refreshing coldness to all manner of drinks. Tudor faced widespread derision, but persevered to found a vast industry. Weightman's account is excellently researched and presented, and vividly covers the total demise of a now forgotten industry.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
The story of the 19th-century ice trade, in which ice from the lakes of New England – valued for its incredible purity – revolutionised domestic life around the world.
In the days before artificial refrigeration, it was thought impossible to transport ice for long distances. But one man, Frederic Tudor, was convinced it could be done. This is the story of how, almost single-handedly, and in the face of near-universal mockery, he established a vast industry that would introduce the benefits of fresh ice to large parts of the globe.
Thanks to Tudor, the American fashion for drinks ‘on the rocks’ spread to tropical areas such as the West Indies and British India. By the 1830s fleets of schooners carried the frozen cargo, packed with sawdust and tarpaulins for insulation, to all corners of the world. The harvesting of the ice from New England’s lakes employed thousands of men.
The frozen water trade had a profound influence on the tastes of a large part of the world, but with the development of artificial cooling systems in the first quarter of the 20th century, the huge industry established by Frederic Tudor vanished as if it had never been.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
An interesting and absorbing book detailing the early days of the Ice Industry in the US. Centered around Frederic Tudor and his constant ups and downs, this is one of those books that is difficult to put down. As an aside, it raises some interesting differences between US and UK "Ice Drink" culture in the Victorian times, throws in some interesting historical pointers into the development of artificial refrigration. Much more than a book on ice. Well worth reading.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Sadly I never have the time to read as many books as I would wish. Having heard The Frozen Water Trade featured on Radio 4, I thought it sounded facinating, and that is exactly what it proved to be. I hate the cliche "I could not put it down until I had read it from cover to cover" but The Frozen Water Trade is one such book and I would recommend it without hesitation to anyone who has an entreprenurial spirit. This book will be a huge motivational weapon. As someone who does not even have ice in my drinks I found the topic spellbinding and Gavin Weightman has written it with great authority and attention to detail. The book will be an inspiration for ANYONE trying their best in life to suceed with all the odds stacked against them. Reading it gave me a spring in my step. One of the most interesting books I have ever read.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book sat on my bookshelf for years before I read it. It just doesn't sound very interesting, does it? Shifting ice from north North America to south North America... I mean, how much can you write about it? The answer is lots. And it isn't boring! This is an inspiring story of what can be achieved with a little entrepreneurial spirit and a never-say-die attitude! Fred Tudor possessed bucketfuls of the stuff and then some! and it's only sad that if it were not for this book his achievement might have been entirely forgotten. Apart from the story itself this book is written in a very engaging style and is a pleasure to read. Buy it!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A great read
This is a very interesting read about the ice trade. Who knew there was so much behind it? I didn't. Read and be amazed.
Published 1 month ago by Barnes Bridge
the rise and disappearance of the natural ice industry
This is a charming, lightweight and heartwarming story, worthy of Samuel Smiles' Self Help. Braving pirates, yellow fever, double-crossing business partners, debtor's prison and... Read more
Published 9 months ago by James-philip Harries
Captivating writing and impressive story
Captivating look into how one man started and built an industry that has disappeared without a trace in modern times (how many people knew of ice being shipped to India in the 19th... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Sirbu Mihai
brechin bookworm
Amazing book could not put it down well written every time I look at the cover cannot believe boats took ice all the way to India. Read more
Published on 23 Feb 2010 by N. H. Mcleay
What's the opposite of "Coals to Newcastle?"
Took the book on holiday and read it quickly. Great of example of perseverance and tenacity and intetresting example of the different attitude to enterprise in the UK and USA. Read more
Published on 9 Sep 2009 by Mr. G. P. Emsden
Left me cold, I'm afraid..
I SO wanted to love this book after reading the great and inspiring reviews but I found it surprisingly boring. Sorry!
Published on 31 Oct 2008 by Becky Sharpe
Entrepreneurship and ingenuity create a new industry.
The indescribable heat of summer in Calcutta was especially oppressive for officials of the Empire, accustomed as they were to cooler weather at home, and when word reached them in... Read more
Published on 29 Jan 2003 by Mary Whipple
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