This is really a history book showing how food in general has shaped world history. This is one of those rare books that presents facts many would have learned in school and showing connections that you did not realize were there. This book changed my view of some key events in European history. This book is deceiving in that it promotes deep thinking about certain events. The book is a bit rambling in places and that led me to only give 4 stars. An informative look at the influence that the supply of food has had on our history and how it will continue to be the limiting factor in our human development. Many different instances presented here such as sacrifices of food to the gods in ancient days, the use of food as an offensive and defensive weapon, the spice trade and the effect on culture, and some of the intense science that goes into feeding our world. There are definitely more instances where food has played a role in history but this book gives a great and in depth look at many of the major cases.
I thought this was very informative. I especially enjoyed the "Food As A Weapon" section.
—shreya
Last 2 sections were the best: Food as a Weapon and Food, Population, and Development.
—jeanne
History of the world in 6 glasses was a much more cohesive work.
—nashcarstairs
Not as interesting as his other book.
—pja
Boring.
—LOKI25
