Discover fifty of the most beloved cakes from around the world in this delectable guide to a classic dessert. Each delicacy comes to life through the charming writing and delightful illustrations of Alice Oehr, who has fun facts and origin stories for everything from Boston cream pie and Baked Alaska to tiramisu and Black Forest cake.With Oehr, cake becomes so much more than its flavor. Ingredients reflect the time and place in which the recipe was developed, baking methods are a testament to long-standing tradition, and decorations embrace the creativity inherent in favorite desserts. Together, these are the touches that make each cake so cherished in its country of origin.For readers who want to roll up their sleeves and head straight to the kitchen, Oehr offers an appendix of easy-to-follow, homespun recipes. Whether you dream of baking a classic, aspire to a grandiose new dessert, or just want to revel in the sheer volume of glorious cakes that the world has to offer, this book is for you.