Food Cultures of the World Encyclopedia: [4 Volumes]

Biographical Note:

Ken Albala is professor of history at the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA.

This comprehensive reference work introduces food culture from more than 150 countries and cultures around the world--including some from remote and unexpected peoples and places.
From babka to baklava to the groundnut stew of Ghana, food culture can tell us where we've been--and maybe even where we're going. Filled with succinct, yet highly informative entries, the four-volume Food Cultures of the World Encyclopedia covers all of the planet's nation-states, as well as various tribes and marginalized peoples. Thus, in addition to coverage on countries as disparate as France, Ethiopia, and Tibet, there are also entries on Roma Gypsies, the Maori of New Zealand, and the Saami of northern Europe. There is even a section on food in outer space, detailing how and what astronauts eat and how they prepare for space travel as far as diet and nutrition are concerned.

Each entry offers information about foodstuffs, meals, cooking methods, recipes, eating out, holidays and celebrations, and health and diet. Vignettes help readers better understand other cultures, while the inclusion of selected recipes lets them recreate dishes from other lands.

• Entries covering over 150 countries and cultures from around the world
• More than 100 expert contributors
• Vignettes
• An index that facilitates cross-cultural comparison

"Entries are well-written in a concise yet informative language that results in an easy and engaging read. This is aimed at an academic audience but the style would also make this an accessible read to anyone with a general interest in food culture."

Reference Reviews

"Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates, general readers, and professionals/practitioners."

Choice

"With its geographical structure and consistent formatting, Food Cultures of the World Encyclopedia provides a unique perspective on what the world's population eats and why and is recommended for high school, public, and academic libraries."

Booklist, Starred Review

"This is a quality encyclopedia with broad appeal especially for public libraries and undergraduate colleges and universities."

Library Journal

Review Citations:

• Library Journal 09/15/2011 pg. 109 (EAN 9780313376269, Hardcover)
• Booklist 10/01/2011 pg. 40 (EAN 9780313376269, Hardcover) - *Starred Review
• School Library Journal 10/01/2011 pg. 86 (EAN 9780313376269, Hardcover)
• Choice 11/01/2011 (EAN 9780313376269, Hardcover)
• Booklist Ed Choice Reference 01/01/2012 pg. 17 (EAN 9780313376269, Hardcover)
• Reference and Research Bk News 10/01/2011 pg. 58 (EAN 9780313376269, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:Albala, Ken

Ken Albala is Professor of History at the University of the Pacific, USA.