Food Cultures of the World Encyclopedia: [4 volumes]

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Description

This comprehensive reference work introduces food culture from more than 150 countries and cultures around the worldincluding some from remote and unexpected peoples and places. From babka to baklava to the groundnut stew of Ghana, food culture can tell us where we've beenand maybe even where we're going. Filled with succinct, yet highly informative entries, the four-volume Food Cultures of the World Encyclopedia covers all of the planet's nation-states, as well as various tribes and marginalized peoples. Thus, in addition to coverage on countries as disparate as France, Ethiopia, and Tibet, there are also entries on Roma Gypsies, the Maori of New Zealand, and the Saami of northern Europe. There is even a section on food in outer space, detailing how and what astronauts eat and how they prepare for space travel as far as diet and nutrition are concerned. Each entry offers information about foodstuffs, meals, cooking methods, recipes, eating out, holidays and celebrations, and health and diet. Vignettes help readers better understand other cultures, while the inclusion of selected recipes lets them recreate dishes from other lands.

Reviews

Entries are well-written in a concise yet informative language that results in an easy and engaging read. This is aimed at an academic audience but the style would also make this an accessible read to anyone with a general interest in food culture. * Reference Reviews *
Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates, general readers, and professionals/practitioners. * Choice *
With its geographical structure and consistent formatting, Food Cultures of the World Encyclopedia provides a unique perspective on what the world's population eats and why and is recommended for high school, public, and academic libraries. * Booklist, Starred Review *
This is a quality encyclopedia with broad appeal especially for public libraries and undergraduate colleges and universities. * Library Journal *

Author Bio

Ken Albala is professor of history at the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA.