Food in World History

by Jeffrey Pilcher

Providing a comparative and comprehensive study of culinary cultures and consumption throughout the world from ancient times to present day, this book examines the globalization of food and explores the political, social and environmental implications of our changing relationship with food. Including numerous case studies from diverse societies and periods, Food in World History examines and focuses This concise and readable survey not only presents a simple history of food and its consumption, but also provides a unique examination of world history itself.

Genres: Food, Nonfiction, History, Food History

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2005

Reviews

[Moss]

While this book contained great content and touched on important aspects that colonialism and capitalism play in our food system, a book titled “Food in World History” should be more than 130 pages. It simply felt like so much was being left out, only touched on, or left entirely unexplored.

Additionally, it was difficult to get through. While this book may be good for reference, reading straight through is nearly impossible as the text is quick to lose one’s attention.

Instead of providing a thorough analysis or in depth coverage, the author seemed to list facts and frequently repeat himself. The book didn’t have a logical flow of reasoning outside of chronology for an analytic approach and lacked the detail necessary to provide a comprehensive narrative. This combined left a book about food rather tasteless.

[EJ Read]

⭐️3.5 rounded up!

I hate the class I have to read this for and I think it’s tainting my opinion.

As an intro to global food studies this book is enlightening. A good place to start for anyone wanting to get into the discipline.

[Athira Mohan]

Does not mince words, which is important.

[fawkes]

Mira me lo he leído por un trabajo de la uni y ha sido horrible, pensaba que me enteraría de algo o que me interesaría pero no.

[Scott Simpson]

Fine as a high-level survey of food history, but ultimately more of a reference, not great for reading straight through.

[Christina]

Although I learned a great deal many of the ideas in the text were too broad to say all that much.