Paradox of Plenty: A Social History of Eating in Modern America, Revised Edition (California Stud...
In this sweeping history of food and eating in modern America, Harvey Levenstein explores the social, economic, and political factors that have sha...
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reviews
Jan 27, 2011
sdw
rated it: 
Paradox of Plenty is an expansive book covering the Great Depression through the Regan era. Levenstein charts the rise and fall of American concern (or lack of concern) with domestic and international hunger alongside the obsession with dieting (and healthy eating). He documents the influence of corporations and federal policies on what we eat and why we eat it.
Dec 14, 2010
Heather
rated it: 
An interesting book on one of my favorite subjects: food. It really opened my eyes to how past events really had impacted my food culture. However, I felt that Levenstein kept repeating himself throughtout the book. Other then that it was pretty good.
Jul 09, 2008
Dina
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Okay, so, I didn't get to finish this one as I had to return it to the library in order to "officially graduate". So there's that. I did, however, read about 100 pages and they were a damn great 100 pages (only giving 3 stars as I only read about half). A great covering of food politics and fads up through the Depression and into WWI and much more conversational and readable that other things getting at the same topics (Criser, for example). This book served as a great springboard for
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Sep 26, 2011
Recommended by Brent Cunningham in a Lapham's Quarterly podcast 7/25/11.
Jul 09, 2008
Nicole
rated it:
I was only able to read the first edition; I would be interested to take a look at the revised edition and see what new goodies are in it. This book was extremely interesting, documenting America's strange obsessions with food, corporate influence on what we eat, and so on.
Sep 26, 2007
Jessica
rated it: 
First read this book (the first edition, not this revised edition) in college, and it cemented my love for contemporary food history. Really a fascinating read - although you probably have to be interested in food as a subject to enjoy it.
Jun 20, 2011
Toni
rated it:
In these days of hype and agenda-driven information, it was both informative and refreshing to read a balanced food book written by someone who does research and isn't just out to get a movie deal.
Dec 16, 2009
Beth
rated it:
Sequel to Revolution at the Table, discusses food policy during the Depression and changes in American foodways through the 20th Century.
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