Quick Take

'Since Eve ate apples, ' wrote Byron, 'much depends on dinner, ' and in this delightful and intelligent book, Margaret Visser proves how right he was. Built around the menu of a simple meal--corn on the cob with salt and butter, roast chicken with rice, salad dressed in lemon juice and olive oil, and ice cream--Much Depends on Dinner corrects our lack of knowledge of these most ubiquitous of foods and lays before us a captivating register of facts, myths, fetishes, and rituals that stretches back into our early history.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Much Depends on Dinner

Introduction

"Much Depends on Dinner" by Margaret Visser is a captivating exploration of the history, mythology, allure, and obsessions surrounding an ordinary meal. Through the lens of a simple menu of corn on the cob with salt and butter, roast chicken with rice, salad dressed in lemon juice and olive oil, and ice cream, Visser unveils a captivating register of facts, myths, fetishes, and rituals that stretch back into our early history. This book is a delightful and intelligent read that delves into various aspects of food, including agriculture, sociology, marketing, science, and even philosophy and religion.

About Margaret Visser

Margaret Visser is a cultural and culinary anthropologist and historian. She has written several books, including "The Rituals of Dinner," which explores the origins, evolution, eccentricities, and meaning of table manners. Visser's work is known for its depth of knowledge and engaging writing style, making her a respected authority in the field of food studies.

Analysis of Views

Breadth of Knowledge: Readers rave about the author's ability to cover a wide range of topics within the scope of a single meal. Visser delves into archaeology, sociology, agriculture, medicine, literature, science, marketing, philosophy, religion, and mythology. Each chapter is packed with fascinating information that readers find difficult to put down.
Engaging Writing Style: Visser's writing style is praised for its accessibility and ability to make complex subjects enjoyable to read. Readers appreciate her ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. The book is described as a "10-star set of books in one," with each chapter deserving its own star rating.
In-depth Exploration: Visser's exploration of each ingredient in the meal goes beyond the surface level. Readers appreciate the depth of knowledge she provides on topics such as corn production, salt mining, butter manufacturing, and the cultural significance of these ingredients. The book offers a feast of multi-layered information that satisfies readers' curiosity.
Relevance to Everyday Life: Despite covering historical and cultural aspects of food, readers find the book relatable to their own lives. The author's insights into the role of food in shaping human cultures resonate with readers' experiences of eating and dining. The book challenges readers to think about their own food choices and their impact on society.
Recommendation: Many readers highly recommend this book to others seeking a deeper understanding of food and its role in our lives. They appreciate the author's ability to present complex subjects in an engaging and accessible manner. The book is seen as a valuable addition to any library or reading list.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Organization: Some readers find the book disorganized and difficult to follow due to its jumping between topics without clear transitions. The lack of a clear structure can make it challenging for readers to engage with the material effectively.
Dated Content: While the book was published in 1986, some readers feel that the content may be outdated or overshadowed by more recent works on similar subjects. The relevance of some topics may be questioned by readers who have access to newer information.

Conclusion

"Much Depends on Dinner" by Margaret Visser is a remarkable book that offers readers an extraordinary journey into the history, mythology, allure, perils, and taboos surrounding an ordinary meal. Visser's extensive research and engaging writing style make this book a delightful read for those interested in exploring the depths of food culture. While some readers find the organization lacking or content dated, the book's overall impact on readers' understanding of food and its significance shines through. Whether you are a fan of non-fiction or seeking to expand your knowledge beyond fiction, "Much Depends on Dinner" is a must-read that will surely excite and enthrall you with its captivating insights into the world of food.