• Consider the Fork

  • A History of How We Cook and Eat
  • By: Bee Wilson
  • Narrated by: Alison Larkin
  • Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,384 ratings)

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Consider the Fork  By  cover art

Consider the Fork

By: Bee Wilson
Narrated by: Alison Larkin
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Publisher's summary

Since prehistory, humans have braved the business ends of knives, scrapers, and mashers, all in the name of creating something delicious - or at least edible. In Consider the Fork, award-winning food writer and historian Bee Wilson traces the ancient lineage of our modern culinary tools, revealing the startling history of objects we often take for granted. Charting the evolution of technologies from the knife and fork to the gas range and the sous-vide cooker, Wilson offers unprecedented insights into how we've prepared and consumed food over the centuries - and how those basic acts have changed our societies, our diets, and our very selves.

©2012 Bee Wilson (P)2012 Tantor
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic reviews

"Wilson is erudite and whip-smart, but she always grounds her exploration of technological change in the perspective of the eternal harried cook - she's been one - struggling to put a meal on the table. This is mouthwatering history: broad in scope, rich in detail, stuffed with savory food for thought." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Consider the Fork

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating!

This is a wonderful romp through culinary gadget and cutlery history. Kept me engaged and fascinated by the implications of some revelations the book makes. I would highly recommend this book for cooks and foodies in addition to those who like history.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Clearly on of the best

What made the experience of listening to Consider the Fork the most enjoyable?

The reader was clearly, engaging and the tempo was very good. The writing was amazingly thought provoking.

What other book might you compare Consider the Fork to and why?

I've been looking for other books as I've never read anything quite so engaging. It reminded me a bit of the James Burke show "Connections"

Which scene was your favorite?

By far the chapter on Pots and Pans were quite interesting, and the one on refrigeration.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • AB
  • 02-18-24

Fun listen on food & utensils

Enjoyed the history of all these utensils! Low effort and fun listen about so many various implements and styles

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Informatively Whimsical

A great look at the evolution of cooking technology that blends history with a light humor and realistic examination of the role of cooking and the tools used to do so.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A charming history lesson that made me hungry.

What a fascinating lens through which to view the world! This book really helped contextualize the day to day life of people from various walks of life throughout history. I'm also excited to get back into the kitchen myself knowing what I now know about our varied utensils and appliances. The narrator was simply a joy to listen to with a musical voice and fantastic comedic timing for all the witty asides and unexpected connections the author included.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Interesting info but hum-drum

The narrator did a great job with many different accents.

The content is: "That's nice." (Yawn)
I put it on a faster speed for listening; that helped.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating

From a lay person stand point, this was an amazing look into the development of how we cook. There is a sweet sentimentality for where humanity began and cooking as a link to the past, as well as a genuine excitement and interest in new approaches and technology. Absolutely worth it!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Makes cooking informative

Where does Consider the Fork rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranks second to my world history books as this one was specific in object. But the historical explanation is very informative.

What did you like best about this story?

The narrator had a pleasantly exquisite verbal style. British but delightful.

Which character – as performed by Alison Larkin – was your favorite?

Herself.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book made me laugh, but mostly intrigued in the historical and technological explanation of kitchen tools. A spoon is not just a spoon.

Any additional comments?

Good complement for historial listeners.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

fascinating practical history

Being someone who is very comfortable in the kitchen, I found this book fascinating in many ways. It's organization based around the Advent of utensils and cookery made it easy to follow and the explanation of cooking practices during the times by way of the utensils gave the descriptions greater meeting.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Humorous, captivating content, and read by a Brit

Who could ask for more in a book than the above? As romantic as the past may seem, I will take my KirchenAid mixer any day!

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