gastronomy

I cannot emphasize what an incredible book this is. I have owned three copies: given one as a present, and have kept two (I couldn't find one when I wanted to re-read it, so had to purchase another). I am very pleased to see that this is still in print after 20 years.

If you are interested in how we, as Americans, have inherited our fondness for sweets; or ever wondered why the Pilgrims almost starved, but the Indians didn't; or the fascinating history of refrigerated shipping of foodstuffs, such as bringing lobster from Maine to the midwest during the 19th century; or the background of Heinz, Kellogg, Graham (Crackers) and other 21st century household names; or the unbelievable decadent dinners served during the Gilded Age in the 1890's, like the one that was only for the pet dogs of the rich. This book is a fabulous source book and entertaining history of American taste (and lack of). Highly recommended. A+++

Waverly Root was a journalist and lived as an ex-pat between the wars in Paris. He did NOT hang out with Stein, Hemmingway, or the other more well known types and wrote a rather amusing autobiography which is no longer in print. However, when he retired from journalism, he began a new career as a food writer. Another book that you may enjoy is FOOD, a dictionary. I haven't checked to see if this too is Out of Print, but it is an incredible collection of short descriptions of what we eat. One of my favorites is the tomato, which even up to this century was considered poisonous in many households.

Gripping Stuff!