These books are a excellent reference source for those who need to understand spices. 

Vol. I covers the history of spices from ancient times to the modern world, description of spices, as well as an outline of trends in the spice industry. An Appendix, in alphabetical order, details the origins and nature of the spices described and additional information on essential oils of the spices. Glossary. 

Contents:  - 

The Spice Family - 
Prologue  - 

PART 1-THE STORY OF SPICES - 
I. Spices in the Ancient World - 
II. Spices in the Holy Bible -
III. Cassia and Cinnamon in the Ancient Middle East -
IV. The Arabian Spice Trade -
V. Uses of Spices in the Ancient Greek and Roman World -
VI. Spices in the Early Christian Era and Middle Ages - 
VII. Spices in the Travels of Marco Polo -
VIII. Spices and Their Uses in the Late Middle Ages - 
IX. The Portuguese Seek the Spice Lands -
X. Christopher Columbus Sails West to Find the Spice Lands - 
XI. John Cabot Sails West in Search of Spices -
XII. The Portuguese Master the Spice Trade -
XIII. Ferdinand Magellan's Quest for the Spice Islands -
XIV. The British Seek Northeast and Northwest Routes to the Spice Islands -
XV. Sir Francis Drake's Voyage to the Spice Islands -
XVI. The Dutch Reach the Spice Islands -
XVII. The Decline of the Portuguese and the Rise of the Dutch in the Spice Islands -
XVIII. The Dutch and English in the Spice Islands -
XIX. America Enters the Pepper Trade -
XX. Uses of Spices in the Modern World -
Epilogue -

PART 2-THE SPICES DESCRIBED - 
Introduction -
Allspice -
Anise -
Capsicum Spices -
Caraway -
Cardamom -
Celery -
Cinnamon -
Chervil -
Cloves -
Coriander -
Cumin -
Curry Powder -
Dill -
Fennel -
Fenugreek Seed -
Garlic -
Ginger -
Laurel Leaves -
Marjoram -
Mint -
Mustard  -
Nutmeg and Mace -
Onion -
Origanum -
Parsley -
Pepper -
Poppy Seed -
Rosemary -
Saffron -
Sage -
Savory -
Sesame Seed -
Star Anise -
Sweet Basil -
Tarragon -
Thyme  -
Turmeric -
Bibliography -
Index -