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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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About this listen

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 Thought-Provoking
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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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I get more out of this each time I listen. Such an interesting view of world history with diverse ideas. One of my favourite audio books. incidently the pdf that goes with it is substantial and excellent.

Now on my third listen!

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Who knew you could learn the history of the world through food? And it's left me interested to learn so much more.

An entertaining listen

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This series of lecture was brilliant. Very well spoken, thoughtful and the revelation of many food traditions and trajectories. His predictions over the last lecture are also very interesting, although I don’t think we will ever loose the kitchen as the central pivot of a home and maybe still the showcase of the home itself.
It was informative through the spoken word and the printable notes enable the recipes to come to life in my own kitchen.

Food glorious food!

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This is such an interesting series of lectures and the sheer, unbridled enthusiasm of the narrator adds a lot to it. He makes every lecture a thrill. I learned so much and this is truly a valuable account of social history.

Fabulous and fun

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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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Fantastic course - I love histories viewed through specific lenses (art, architecture, music, medicine) so this was always going to be interesting for me, but this wasn't just interesting, it's also entertaining. Great lecturer! Ken Albala is superb! He makes all the aspects of his lecture really come to life. Brilliant!

Very enjoyable!

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