Here is the history of humanity's relationship with the bean, the details of its nutritional and health benefits, and an exhaustive list and description of all the major beans in the world, from pinto and cannellini beans to chickpeas and lentils.

Along with numerous storing and preparation tips, this volume features a wide range of international dishes that brings out the incredible variety of styles and tastes that beans can deliver. Beginning with mouthwatering soups like minestrone and black bean soup with soba noodles and savory starters like garlic, herb, and bean pate and the classic refried beans, this book goes on to provide dozens of hearth main course dishes ranging from the vegetarian bean tagine) to such classic meat and bean dishes as cassoulet, Chinese chicken with black beans, and chili con carne.

Illustrated throughout with lush, full-color photographs, this is a must-have for anyone who already loves the delicious variety of bean flavors and will convince anyone who has ever thought that beans are but a poor man's food that there really is magic to this fruit.