This beautiful, well-preserved first edition hardcover is in near fine condition. The book is tight, square, and clean, with no internal markings. While the dust jacket has a library label and the first page bears a library stamp, the book itself is unmarked. The book delves into the fascinating history of cochineal, a vibrant red dye derived from insects native to Mexico, which became one of the world's most coveted commodities. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors discovered cochineal in the Aztec marketplaces. This dye produced a red more brilliant and lasting than any available in Europe, making it highly sought after for textiles and artworks.