Vegetarians and Vegans in America Today (American Subcultures) (Hardcover)

by Karen Iacobbo (Author), Michael Iacobbo (Author)
Key Phrases: vegan freak, cultured meat, vegetarian community, America Today, United States, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“Karen Iacobbo (Johnson & Wales Univ., RI) and journalist Michael Iacobbo have prepared a polemic promoting vegetarian/vegan subcultures, lifestyles, and philosophy, primarily through their many informants. They discuss motivation for and benefits of becoming vegetarian/vegan, tenets of vegetarian/vegan philosophy, characteristics of the subculture, and future problems, noting relevant books, films, and Web sites....General readers.”–Choice

“American vegetarianism has existed for more than 200 years and authors Karen and Michael Iacobbo weave its history with touching and terrifying testimonials that explain how people from all walks of life went veg. Shattering stereotypes, this book spotlights the various subcultures within the movement, from crunchy hippies to hardcore punks, pro-life compassionate conservatives to retired professionals....[t]his is a great book to give to a skeptical meat-eater or a new vegetarian or vegan who feels alone.”–VegNews

“[A] great read giving America insight into an ancient diet with modern relevance.”–Easton's Public Library eNewsletter

“Continuing from their previous book on the history of vegetarianism, the Iacobbos delve into the practice's current incarnations, examining the food industry, health studies about the benefits of vegetarianism and veganism, the popularity of vegetarianism, and the backlash against it. They highlight the work of vegetarian advocates and include projections for the future from vegetarians, environmentalists, lawyers, nutritionists, economists and animal rights experts.”–SciTech Book News

“This is a quick read book, written by two talented journalists, is rich in the history of vegetarianism in America and tells of the amazing differences and preferences of vegetarians and vegans. The wonderful research done by the authors provides a valuable view of the vegetarian community as a whole, and provides some logical reasons why making healthy choices can be so important.”–Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

“Vegetarians and Vegans in America Today is a great read giving America insight into an ancient diet with modern relevance. The book embraces vegetarianism as a way of life that is deeply rooted in American culinary history and social activism while helping one understand the essence of a dietary movement that is beginning to define American culture and values.”–Ron Pickarski Founder and President of Eco-Cuisine Gold-Medal winning executive chef (International Culinary Olympics)

“A society that adorns centuries-old practices like yoga and meditation with the label 'new age,' might not be expected to appreciate vegetarians and vegans. However, as Karen and Michael Iacobbo document with verve and rigor, there's way more of us out there than anyone ever imagined. In fact, I'd say the veggie lifestyle is ready for its close-up.”–Mickey Z. longtime vegan author of 50 American Revolutions You're Not Supposed to Know: Reclaiming American Patriotism

“This book spotlights the rich history of vegetarianism in America and the incredible diversity of vegetarians and vegans. Most importantly, it puts a human face on the animal liberation movement. I highly recommend it.”–Vasu Murti author of They Shall Not Hurt or Destroy

“This book is a treasure trove of the wide variety of views from vegetarians and the variety of aspects they have opinions on. This is a must-read for anyone who wants a comprehensive overview of the current state of thought and action.”–Rachel M. MacNair, Ph.D Director of the Institute for Integrated Social Analysis in Kansas City author of The Psychology of Peace: An Introduction and Perpetration-Induced Tramatic Stress

“This rare and valuable book looks at the full spectrum of vegetarians and provides a valuable insider's view of both the unity and diversity of the vegetarian community.”–Stewart Rose Vice President, Vegetarians of Washington

Product Description
Vegetarianism is not a diet trend, or the flavor of the month. Instead, it is a philosophy and practice with roots in antiquity. Vegetarianism has existed for centuries in much of the world as a social movement and subculture. In the United States, this subculture has existed for more than 200 years. In this book, the Iacobbos bring this thriving subculture to life. By examining the community's businesses, organizations, events, scholarship, and influence on the arts, and interviewing vegetarians and vegans, the authors reveal for the reader a subculture whose members hold a variety of perspectives on everything from animal rights to advocacy, politics, and religion. Building upon their previous book, a history of vegetarianism, the Iacobbos delve into its current incarnations. They include information on the food industry, health studies on the benefits of vegetarians and vegan ways of eating, the popularity of vegetarianism, and the backlash against it. They highlight the work of vegetarian advocates and provide a glimpse of the stores, magazines, restaurants, and organizations that bring this subculture together. Finally, they include projections for the future from vegetarians, environmentalists, lawyers, nutritionists, economists, and experts in animal rights.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 232 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers (June 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275990168
• ISBN-13: 978-0275990169
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #912,376 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great vegan/vegetarian education!, October 23, 2006

By	Everyone's Sister - See all my reviews

An enlightening book that underscores the cruelty inherent in factory farming. I wish I could buy it for all the meat-eaters I know so they would "think occasionally of the suffering from which [they] spare [themselves] the sight." This book is a must for novice vegetarians as well as hard-core lifelong vegans. Interesting, well-written documentary revealing the humane-ness in ordinary human beings who connected with helpless living creatures. Health benefits are a plus, but mostly, the inner peace from promoting peaceful living. Thanks to the authors and all the wonderful contributors highlighted in the book1 :o)