Book Review

An Edible History of Humanity by Tom Standage

People exist by eating food. This book is an attempt to understand the impact of food types, sources and availability on the evolving social fabric of our modern life. From the ancient history of the beginning of agriculture and its shaping of societies to the use of food for political purposes is reviewed. From the crude basic cultivation of the ancients and their methods of improving their staple grains, that they became dependent upon, until the use of food as a source of, power, profit and wealth. Finally, the concern of feeding the world population is covered.

The early ocean exploration in search of lands containing rare spices for profit indicates how variety was a driving factor in improved food preparation and preservation. The vast colonization period resulting in emerging empires over so many lands was to control their resources, which were frequently food such as sugar.

The problems of the logistics of supplying food for large armies of men and animals and how failure to provide adequately may cost an Army a battle as quick as lack of weapons is shown. How the improved use of fertilizer and the science of agronomy of breeding new plant varieties that increase the yield per acre have revolutionized the agriculture industry. The impact of technology in modern farming practice currently dictates how food is produced, processed and marketed. The ultimate price of food for the customer is the result.

The author points out that the importance of agriculture employs 41% of the human race and accounts for over 40% of the worlds land area. The use of tariffs, blockades and political strategies demonstrates how food becomes a force in creating empires and punishing cultures. The author concludes with the importance of saving every type of seed in sophisticated storage seed banks, Svalbard Global Seed Vault, in the event a variety is lost due to a natural disaster. An interesting series of facts, concepts, history and ideas about food and its impact on humans is served up for your enlightenment.

Standage, Tom An Edible History of Humanity, Walker and Co.: New York, 2009. 269 pages.

Rating: 4

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Type: Food History

January 2, 2010