164. Food: The History of Taste by Paul Freedman

BOOK REVIEW: Food - The History of Taste by Paul Freedman

Many branches of anthropology have cropped up through the years as various filed of study. Biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology and many more have made people more interested in the history and origin of various subjects. However, nothing piques peoples' interest more than the subject of food. What better way to fall in love with your food more than to delve into the origins of its movement around the world.

This book is the first to apply the discoveries of the new generation of food historians worldwide to the unashamedly romantic appeal of the subject: to the culinary accomplishments of diverse civilizations, past and present, and to the pleasure of dining. The result is truly a history of taste: our most elevated, elegant and pleasurable thoughts about food - ingredients, preparation, presentation - since prehistory.

Here you will find Zhang Dai's lovingly recorded memories of the crabs, clams and junket enjoyed in China before the fall of the Ming; the first celebrity chefs in the Classical world; how sugar from the West Indies profoundly changed European taste; meals recalled by Proust in detail - far more interesting than the mere madeleine; and how two journalists discovered nouvelle cuisine.

This book is unique in that it is organized by what people thought was good and how food was a part of distinctive societies. It is profusely illustrated with works of art that can be truly be called mouthwatering. From beginning to end these pages provide an enthralling and richly illustrated story of one of the most vital clues not just to what keeps us alive, but to what makes us feel alive.

Many a night I have spent tucked in a corner with this book and felt pangs of hunger just reading about descriptions of taste and food. Hahahahaha.... So if you ever pick this book up be sure to have a few munchies on hand. (Psssssttt, I purchased this book from Book Xcess Starling Mall. So if you want to buy it you can check it out here if it's still available).