Status
Available
Genres
Publication
New York : Grove Weidenfeld, 1991.
Description
With an acute eye and an irrepressible wit, Margaret Visser takes a fascinating look at the way we eat our meals. From the ancient Greeks to modern yuppies, from cannibalism and the taking of the Eucharist to formal dinners and picnics, she thoroughly defines the eating ritual. "Read this book. You'll never look at a table knife the same way again."--The New York Times.
User reviews
LibraryThing member herschelian
A fascinating study of table manners, how they evolved, why we need them and how they differ from country to country, age to age.
LibraryThing member gmicksmith
The first book that comes to mind on this topic is by Norbert Elias. In this work the author shows how civilization developed rituals around eating. It is in this vein that the book was written about the origins, evolution, eccentricities, and meaning of table manners.
LibraryThing member ladyars
Exactly my kind of book. It takes one aspect of our lives and dissects it, comparing current beliefs and practices with other cultures and times. What I learned: culture is weird :)
What I didn't like: sometimes the author repeats herself and the ending was quite abrupt.
What I didn't like: sometimes the author repeats herself and the ending was quite abrupt.
LibraryThing member ritaer
Fairly interesting survey of the many rituals and customs surrounding eating in various cultures.
Awards
IACP Cookbook Award (Winner — 1992)
Language
Similar in this library
Why we eat what we eat : how the encounter between the New World and the Old changed the way everyone on the planet eats by Raymond A. Sokolov