American Food Habits in Historical Perspective [Paperback]

Elaine N. McIntosh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 30, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0275953319 | ISBN-13: 978-0275953317

Using dietary information and other pertinent facts, the author assesses the nutritional status of Americans during each historical period. Special emphasis is given to American dietary patterns from the landfall of Columbus to the colonial period, the revolutionary period, the New Republic, and the 20th century. Four categories of American food are identified and analyzed: mainstream cuisine, regional cooking, "regional phenomena" (including ethnic foods), and "Pop" foods. The overview concludes with the finding that, despite delightful differences, there are striking similarities in food habits across time and cultures. By providing increased insights and understanding of contemporary American eating patterns, this book will be a substantive addition to existing texts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“McIntosh discusses food in North America from prehistory through the present in this well-organized book. Although clearly geared to undergraduate students, it will be useful to many; the chapters on understanding food habits and foods and religion are good overviews. Using food as a unifying theme might increase interest in history for those who find it to be only dates. A clearly written overview.”–Choice

“This book is clearly geared for the undergraduate audience but is written in such a way that it does not speak down to them. The greatest strength of the text is the manner in which the commonalities of similar ideas, concepts, and terms were developed. Dr. McIntosh defines the terms, laying out their commonalities and differences, and then gives concrete, sensible examples. The reader would be hard pressed to be confused after reading any section of the text...An excellent text to bring diatetics and nutrition students "up to speed" about the development and history of food consumption.”–Mia M. Moore-Armitage, Ph.D. Professor of Food and Nutrition Indiana University of Pennsylvania

“As Americans become more concerned about their diets and food safety, Dr. McIntosh offers us a unique approach for understanding why we eat as we do. With an interesting, easy-to-read writing style, she portrays a fascinating historical viewpoint of all interrelated factors affecting our current food practices. It is difficult for me to think of a pertinent area that is not included in this valuable book.”–Nan Unklesbay, Ph.D., R.D. Professor, Food Science Program University of Missouri-Columbia

Book Description

Provides a unique overview of American food habits, from the arrival of the first immigrants to cross the Beringia land bridge to the twenty-first century.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Paperback (December 30, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275953319
• ISBN-13: 978-0275953317
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280,425 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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