Vegetarian America - by Karen Iacobbo & Michael Iacobbo (Paperback)

About the Book

The first complete history of vegetarianism in the United States, this story reveals the people, the organizations, and the events from the late 1700s to the present. Despite generally held notions that today's vegetarianism sprang from 1960s counterculture and that prior to that its only advocates were fanatics and fringe groups, the authors explore strong movements in other historical eras, the proponents of which included esteemed physicians, socialites, and other notable members of the establishment. Until now, no one has chronicled the contributions that advocates of vegetarianism have made to the American way of life in areas such as general eating habits, preventative medicine, feminism, environmental awareness, and elsewhere.

From Johnny Appleseed and the Bible-Christians to John Harvey Kellogg and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the story features dedicated and colorful characters who persevered, undaunted by the many obstacles that they faced, to convince their fellow Americans of the benefits of vegetarianism. From a religious movement, to an ethical concern about the rights of animals, to many recent nutritional discoveries, vegetarianism is a movement that continues to evolve and grow.

Book Synopsis

The first complete history of vegetarianism in the United States, this story reveals the people, the organizations, and the events from the late 1700s to the present. Despite generally held notions that today's vegetarianism sprang from 1960s counterculture and that prior to that its only advocates were fanatics and fringe groups, the authors explore strong movements in other historical eras, the proponents of which included esteemed physicians, socialites, and other notable members of the establishment. Until now, no one has chronicled the contributions that advocates of vegetarianism have made to the American way of life in areas such as general eating habits, preventative medicine, feminism, environmental awareness, and elsewhere.

From Johnny Appleseed and the Bible-Christians to John Harvey Kellogg and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the story features dedicated and colorful characters who persevered, undaunted by the many obstacles that they faced, to convince their fellow Americans of the benefits of vegetarianism. From a religious movement, to an ethical concern about the rights of animals, to many recent nutritional discoveries, vegetarianism is a movement that continues to evolve and grow.

Review Quotes

"Vegetarian America is a history of the movement in the US from the 18th century to today. The book goes thoroughly and compellingly into a history about which most vegetarians themselves are unaware. The Iacobbos provide fascinating stories and details about the key people, organizations, and events in vegetarianism....Recommended. All levels." --Choice

"[T]his extremely well researched book is a worthwhile purchase for both large public and academic libraries." --Library Journal

"Vegetarian America is a truly amazing, deftly researched and succinctly presented tour of the side of America that is not so commonly seen amid the thousands of turkey, beef, and ham commercials." --The Bookwatch

"Vegetarian America: A History is an affordable and highly recommended acquisition for the circulating collections of all academic, health sciences, and public libraries. It deserves a place in the culinary collections of all hospital and other special libraries, cooking schools, and the personal collections of everyone with an interest in the history of food." --E-Streams

"Vegetarian America: A History should be placed in every library in this country." --MBR Internet Bookwatch

"[A] most entertaining history of the practice of vegetarianism in the United States from the late 1700s to the present....Vegetarian America is a truly amazing, deftly researched and succinctly presented tour of the side of America that is not so commonly seen amid the thousands of turkey, beef, and ham commercials." --Vegetarian Journal

"[A] compelling, readable account of an unfamiliar history." --Boston Herald

About the Author

KAREN IACOBBO is a journalist and researcher. She is also Adjunct Professor, Freshman Studies at Johnson and Wales University and Special Lecturer at Providence College.

MICHAEL IACOBBO is a journalist who has worked for the Associated Press, the Providence Phoenix, and other publications.