The Cranberry: Hard Work and Holiday Sauce Stephen A. Cole and Lindy Gifford Paperback, $20, ISBN 978-0-88448-316-8 8 x 10, 224 pages, photographs New England / Regional History

". . . will go a long way toward clarifying how a cranberry travels from the bog to our table."
—Cape Cod Chronicle

"The content is intelligently selected and well presented. Stephen Cole does an excellent job covering America's favorite native berry's historic role, technological advancements, economic issues, and social impact. The writing style appeals to both curious public and food historian. We especially like Cole's frequent quotes featuring primary documents (newspaper articles, government reports, etc.). What we liked most about this book is the personalization of the berry, i.e., the role it played in the everyday lives of the Cape Codders. We are privileged to learn about Tony Jesus. Kudos to Lindy Gifford, a truly gifted photographer. The pictures and illustrations make the text come alive!"
—Lynne Olver, editor, FoodTimeline.org.

Transformed from a wild fruit to a cultivated commodity, the American cranberry contains equal amounts of holiday symbolism and antioxidants. Its evolution over the past century is a surprising story of risk, enterprise, conflict, and the tension between tradition and innovation. The cranberry is characterized by the distinctive regions—from Cape Cod to the Pacific Northwest—where it is grown. But the diminutive fruit has also changed the life and landscape of these places. The Cranberry: Hard Work and Holiday Sauce harvests stories, images, and observations to tell the unusual tale of an American subculture dominated by this tart little red fruit.

Stephen A. Cole directs the natural resources and sustainable communities programs at Coastal Enterprises, Inc., a community-development corporation. He is author of The Rangeley and Its Region: The Famous Boat and Lakes of Western Maine and co-author of I Was Content and Not Content: The Story of Linda Lord and the Closing of Penobscot Poultry. He lives in Damariscotta, Maine, with his family.

Lindy Gifford is an independent graphic designer and photographer. She did the book design for The Cranberry, as well as much of the photography and historical research. She has designed other book covers and interiors for Tilbury House, Down East Books, WoodenBoat, and other publishers. She also lives in Damariscotta with her family (which includes Steve Cole).

Cole and Gifford lived for years in Marion and Wareham, Massachusetts, before moving to Maine.