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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 Culinary Adventures Thought-Provoking

Editor reviews

Food has never been more interesting than in Food: A Cultural Culinary History by The Great Courses as part of their Better Living series. Narrator and award-winning Professor Ken Albala takes listeners of this historical audiobook on a delectable journey into the history of agriculture, cooking, food culture and beliefs. Listeners will gain fascinating insights into food practices throughout history. From the first hunter-gatherer humans of the past to the coveted Michelin stars in the present. Listeners will gain a detailed understanding of just how important food is to the human identity. Available now from Audible.
All stars
Most relevant
Really interesting lectures. A bit American orientated towards the end but still relevant. Good lecture style, made them very accessible. Well worth listening too. Changed my eating habits!

Excellent

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Wow, what a fascinating lecture series. Who knew that food is such an excellent narrative for history in general, which makes sense given that we always have, and always will, need to eat! I really wish I had learnt this kind of thing in school. This lecture series is packed full of interesting facts, like the origins of individual food ingredients, the spice trade, the evolution of recipes and diets, the role that religion & migration has played in what we eat and all the way up to fast food, foodie movements etc.

It's also very interesting - and relevant - to understand how the industrialisation of the food industry has been a significant vehicle in boosting capitalism & political agendas, often at the expense of environmental & health concerns.

I think everyone needs to understand this subject matter in order to make better sense of the world today, and also simply to appreciate what we eat even more. I highly recommend listening to this series.

Ken Albala is also possibly the most engaging lecturer I've come across and has set the bar high now for the next Great Courses I have downloaded!

Fascinating & Engaging - A Must Listen!

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it has been a treat to listen to a person with such knowledge and passion talk about a subject which is fundamental to us all. Lots of entertaining little surprises in this history as well as connections to broad waves of history that are also surprising and illuminating. I like that he includes value judgments about the present. It's great to learn from history, as he suggests.

An excellent history of food and cooking

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Loved to learn about world cuisine through history, the origins of products, the recipes and customs. The voice of Pr. Albala is very pleasant to listen.

Great culinary voyage

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The enthusiasm of the lecturer is catching and the subject could not be more relevant.

Thoroughly enjoyable and informative

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