If I wanted to know anything (or everything) about Madeira, I would pick up this new, fully revised edition of Alex Liddell’s 1998 book. Liddell is a recognized expert on the island of Madeira and its wine, and his knowledge and passion come through in the level of detail he employs. An exhaustive, scholarly work, Madeira: The Mid-Atlantic Wine is full of statistics, charts, and maps, which the author skillfully coheres into a picture of an alluring island with a very special wine.

What I most appreciate about Liddell’s book is its organization. The opening portion of the book proceeds chronologically and tells the history of Madeira from its fourteenth-century inception to the present. These chapters highlight the island’s volatility, from vine plagues and bureaucratic struggles to rampant fraud and world war. Liddell then proceeds to an examination of the island’s terroir and the unique ways in which the wine is made, including the heating methods that make it distinctive.

For Madeira collectors, the latter chapters are particularly helpful, as they address notable producers and vintages. Liddell even includes his personal tasting notes on vintages as far back as 1715! The notes are extremely thoughtful and a fascinating read for novice and seasoned Madeira drinkers alike.

Do not let the vibrant-colored, cartoonish book jacket fool you, Madeira: The Mid-Atlantic Wine is a serious study intended for those seeking to know every nuance of the island. It is a technical book, and not for the casual reader. On the whole, however, I think it wonderful (and rare!) to have one book that so completely tells the history of a place.

Scenario in which I would purchase this book: I would buy this book if I were seeking either to become an expert on Madeira or expand my collection of wine reference books. If you’re truly a fan of Madeira, count its bottles amongst your cellar treasures, and wish to know everything about the island and its wine, then this is the only book you need.