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Food: A Cultural Culinary History

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Food: A Cultural Culinary History

By: Ken Albala, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Ken Albala
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Summary

Eating is an indispensable human activity. As a result, whether we realize it or not, the drive to obtain food has been a major catalyst across all of history, from prehistoric times to the present. Epicure Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin said it best: "Gastronomy governs the whole life of man."

In fact, civilization itself began in the quest for food. Humanity's transition to agriculture was not only the greatest social revolution in history, but it directly produced the structures and institutions we call "civilization."

In 36 fascinating lectures, award-winning Professor Albala puts this extraordinary subject on the table, taking you on an enthralling journey into the human relationship to food. With this innovative course, you'll travel the world discovering fascinating food lore and culture of all regions and eras - as an eye-opening lesson in history as well as a unique window on what we eat today.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2013 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2013 The Great Courses Food & Wine Gastronomy World
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I wanted more detail and discussion on a few things and it seemed to lose focus a bit at the end. Other than that, informative and enjoyable.

good for factual entertainment and global overview

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As a nutritionist and foodie, the history of food has always fascinated me. And this course has only served to interest me further. Delightful and interesting. Prof Albala has a nice oratory style which kept me engaged throughout the whole 36 hours. Highly recommended to all.

Very interesting

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Thoroughly enjoyed the lectures. A new perspective of world history, driven from a basic requirement of life.

History from a different point of view.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this set of lectures which are incredibly informative and well presented. It took me 5 days to listen to entire course since I was so engaged in the stories told. History has never been my favorite subject but this course changed my perception! I definitely recommend it to all foodies and cooks!

Truly best set of lectures on food history

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

My friend, you are what you eat, and what you eat is culturally and historically determined and if you want to understand this in any depth you need to listen to this series. You can eat donuts at the same time.

What other book might you compare Food: A Cultural Culinary History to, and why?

It is much like other lecture series but with the added advantage of being endlessly fascinating.

What about Professor Ken Albala’s performance did you like?

I like his pace and voice. He adds personal touches and emphases which create interest and a sense that he's talking to you, not just a hall of clapping robots.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

What has moved me is the content of the course that has stayed with me. From the earliest human diet, to the Roman feasts, migration of grains and plants, food fashion, the English diet, French court food and the restaurant code, health foods, all the hits are here.

Any additional comments?

There is no competition for fawning reviewers to get invited to one of Professor Ken Albala's dinner parties, but can I please be anyway?

Hungry for more

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