The Last Word on Lutefisk: True Tales of Cod and Tradition [Paperback]

Gary Legwold (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996

The Last Word on Lutefisk provides you with the most comprehensive collection of facts, fiction, and folklore surrounding this simple fish with the unforgettable scent. Here, a historical account of this colorful lutefisk tradition is mixed with homespun tales, humor, tours, poetry, lyrics--even lutefisk cheers! You will find:

* Old country travel and lutefisk lore
* Tales of Norse fishermen--and great color photographs
* Why lye is used in soaking the fish
* Secrets of making your own superior lutefisk
* Why lutefisk does not build character--it reveals it
* A directory of the 300 finest lutefisk dinners in North America

A taste of both culture and culinary traditions, The Last Word on Lutefisk invites you to partake in this peculiar, exuberant Scandinavian feast.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Last Word on Lutefisk is a very pleasant read that explains in detail and with great color, and black and white photographs how the cod is caught outside the Lofoten Islands of the Norwegian coast, hanged up to dry, transported to the U.S. where it is soaked in lye and rinsed in water in preparation for the feast. The book is full of lutefisk lore and even tackles the inevitable humor in one chapter. There is an exhaustive directory to the amazingly many lutefisk dinners around the continent." "Legwold has already won some critical acclaim for his lutefisk book. It was named a finalist in the Minnesota Book Award (nonfiction category) and the Midwest Book Achievement Award (humor category)....

"Legwold walks through the cod cod fishing industry showing how this single solitary species of fish has become part of a legend for Scandinavian people. Even that carries a spiritual quality.

"All is not somber and reverent, however. Lutefisk eaters have a sense of humor.

"With his own 'subtle' sense of humor, Legwold describes lutefisk dinners here in the States and paints an American portrait of Scandinavian people that is ripe with 'characters.'...

"Being of Scandinavian descent is not important; not even having eaten lutefisk is irrelevant to what comes through in the text. Legwold introduces a tradition, people, and a way of life that may be out of the ordinary for many of us, all done with a delectable sense of humor. -- Wadena Pioneer Journal

"An often indispensible Christmas treat in Norway and Sweden, lutefisk has an all year round following in many Scandinavian American circles. To understand this fish you should read Gary Legwold's interesting book The Last Word on Lutefisk and try his recipes, or sneak into one of the many lutefisk dinners that take place around this time of year.... -- Scandinavian Press

About the Author

Gary Legwold is a Minneapolis writer whose mid-life crisis involved learning to truly like lutefisk. His first book, The Last Word on Lefse, tells of the good folks behind the fine tradition of lefse making. Mr. Legwold also writes about health, fitness, finances, and parenting for many national magazines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Conrad Henry PR (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965202704
• ISBN-13: 978-0965202701
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,485,693 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Lutefisk traditions, January 10, 2012

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A. Chhabra "audiovideophile" (NC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Last Word on Lutefisk: True Tales of Cod and Tradition (Paperback)

Really interesting to read about this Scandanavian tradition. Bought book for friend to learn more about Lutefisk and ended up reading it to expand my knowledge and discuss topic with her just before she went home for X-mas and have grandma make Lutefisk as is their tradition.