Near a Thousand Tables - by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto (Paperback)

About the Book

Critically acclaimed as a landmark in culinary writing, this savory and engrossing account by a "New York Times" Notable author leaves no placemat unturned as it chronicles the fascinating story of food across the centuries.

Book Synopsis

A brilliant account from acclaimed food historian Felipe Fernández-Armesto on the fascinating story of food as culture, culinary history, and the eight great revolutions in the history of food--perfect for fans of Tasting History.

In this "appetizingly provocative" (Los Angeles Times) book, food historian Felipe Fernandez-Armesto guides readers through the eight great revolutions in the world history of food: the origins of cooking, which set humankind on a course apart from other species; the ritualization of eating, which brought magic and meaning into people's relationship with what they ate; the inception of herding and the invention of agriculture, perhaps the two greatest revolutions of all; the rise of inequality, which led to the development of haute cuisine; the long-range trade in food which, practically alone, broke down cultural barriers; the ecological exchanges, which revolutionized the global distribution of plants and livestock; and, finally, the industrialization and globalization of mass-produced food.

From prehistoric snail "herding" to Roman banquets to Big Macs to genetically modified tomatoes, Near a Thousand Tables is a full-course meal of extraordinary narrative, brilliant insight, and fascinating explorations that will satisfy the hungriest of readers.

Review Quotes

The New York Times Highly provocative and entertaining...an erudite and surprising book with many eye-opening pleasures.

Betty Fussell The New York Times Book Review Fernández-Armesto brings a humanity, civility, and excitement to serious food writing that may not have been seen since Brillat-Savarin.

Rob Morse San Francisco Chronicle Fernández-Armesto picks apart the myths of food history with the delectation of a connoisseur picking apart a lobster.

About the Author

Felipe Fernández-Armesto is a Professorial Fellow of Queen Mary, University of London, and a member of the Modern History Faculty at Oxford University. He is the author of thirteen books, including Millenium: A History of the Last Thousand Years and Civilizations: Culture, Ambition, and the Transformation of Nature.