Military High Life. Elegant Food Histories and Recipes. [Hardcover]

Agostino Von Hassell (Author), New Orleans Chef John Besh. Agostino Von Hassell with Contributors: Herm Dillon and Leslie Jean-Bart. Introduction by Restaurant August (Author), Inc. University Press of the South (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2006

A fundamental book for whom who wants to understand the art of military food in history. Beautifully illustrated with magnificent color photos and gorgeous recipes. This book is dedicated to the memory of the brave men and women who have fought our nation's battles. To honor them, part of the proceeds of this book will be used to feed veterans, so often hungry and homeless. These funds will be administered by the Samaritan Village Veterans Program, 327 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036 (USA).

Editorial Reviews

Review

''As a food history buff, I am excited to see a book that connects our fine dining of today with that of the cuisine of the leaders of the Roman Legions... Military High Life was an interesting read for me as a former squad leader, mortar man, and forward observer, who now cooks elegant dishes steeped in military tradition. Enjoy this great work!'' --Restaurant August, New Orleans Chef John Besh, Recipient of the 2006 James Beard Foundation Best Chef: Southeast Award.

Military Highlife is a must-have and must-read for every connoisseur of good food and drink who has a warrior heritage. Reading about the military history and tradition behind the dish adds a great deal to the food s allure and enjoyment. The collaboration of Agostino von Hassell and former Marine and now Master Chef John Besh offers us a beautiful look at outstanding food with a rich military tradition. I enthusiastically recommend it. --Charles W. Bill Henderson, Chief Warrant Officer, USMC-Retired. Author of Good Night Saigon (2005) The Outstanding General Nonfiction Book for 2006 - the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Bill Henderson is also the author of Marine Sniper.

This book is well researched, steeped in history and traditions, filled with interesting and colorful photographs, sprinkled with a treasure trove of humorous and interesting trivia. It also reveals Agostino von Hassell's boundless knowledge on fine food and cuisines. What is also important is that this book helps preserve those important military customs and traditions that, over time, seem to get lost in this modern world of only looking forward. --General Matthew Broderick, USMC (Retired). Former Director of Operations for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

About the Author

Agostino von Hassell is preparing a book with Chef John Besh on Louisiana cooking Cultures and Recipes. He is working a food history/anthropology book, Typhoon, to be published by University Press of the South, on the impact of the fall of Constantinople to the Turks (1453) on food, culture, and life in Early Modern Europe until current times and the impact of the voyages of the discoveries on culinary arts. He is a Chevalier of La Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, and a Member of the Washington, DC, Chapter. An international trade consultant and freelance photojournalist who makes his home in New York and Virginia, Agostino von Hassell has published two illustrated books on the United States Marine Corps, one book on West Point and will release later this year a book on the OSS and Abwehr in World War II. He is a life member of the US Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association. Agostino Von Hassell studied History at Columbia University, graduating in 1974. He then attended Columbia Journalism School, graduating in 1975.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 167 pages
• Publisher: University Press of the South, Inc.; 1st edition (September 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931948607
• ISBN-13: 978-1931948609
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,455,241 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Visually stunning and really fun to read!, November 10, 2006

By 

A Reader (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Military High Life. Elegant Food Histories and Recipes. (Hardcover)

I have never seen a book that does such a great job pairing military history with food history. It is very readable, packed with interesting facts and amusing anecdotes, and the photos are gorgeous! I tried a couple of the recipes and they are easy to do in a modern kitchen and taste great. Plus, it's great they are donating part of the proceeds to a veterans program. My husband and I both loved this book, so it would make a great gift for anyone who enjoys history, the military or cooking.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great gift for military friends & family, May 3, 2007

By 

Susan Wright (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Military High Life. Elegant Food Histories and Recipes. (Hardcover)

I bought "Military High Life" as a gift for my grandfather, a retired Navy officer. He and his wife often entertain (with many other retired military friends among their guests). They have served 3 dishes so far from the book, with great results. It is an ideal gift for the hard-to-shop-for man. I recommend it to all fans of food and the military.

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review; Military High Life, March 10, 2010

By 

Scott R. Gothard "Bibliophile Extraordinaire" (Santa Ana, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Military High Life. Elegant Food Histories and Recipes. (Hardcover)

This is a great book, taking a historical look at the best and the worst of military cuisine, as well as giving recipes that you can fix at home.