The History of Spices Is the History of Trade (1998)

not sure if black pepper is that addictive or allows your to see the future

I really enjoyed this book, it unexpectedly drew me in.

A narrative look at the disputes between the Dutch East India Company, the British and Portuguese mainly. It's a more in-depth and focussed look at the spice trade raging in Europe in 16th & 17th centuries.