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kmuico's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
zuomiriam's review against another edition
4.0
As someone who doesn't know a lot about history, much less the history of food, I got a lot out of this book. It moves quickly through large swaths of time, slowing down every down and then to explain the significance of critical junctures (e.g. the Neolithic Revolution, the spice trade, the green revolution). Standage's writing, though perhaps not as engaging as a typical novel, conveys information clearly and concisely while maintaining engagement with the reader. I feel like I now have a 10000 mile bird's eye view of history and have gained a better idea of the particular areas that interest me the most. Still, if you've already spent quite a bit of time on big picture history (i.e. from the start of humankind), this book may not have the depth that you're looking for.
emadisonc's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.5
Throughout history, food has done more than simply provide sustenance. It has acted as a catalyst of social transformation, societal organization, geopolitical competition, industrial development, military conflict, and economic expansion. From prehistory to the present, the stories of these transformations form a narrative that encompasses the whole of human history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Cannibalism, Colonisation, and War
Minor: Animal death and Suicide