Food: A Cultural Culinary History

By: Ken Albala, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Ken Albala

Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Eating is an indispensable human activity. As a result, whether we realize it or not, the drive to obtain food has been a major catalyst across all of history, from prehistoric times to the present. Epicure Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin said it best: "Gastronomy governs the whole life of man."

In fact, civilization itself began in the quest for food. Humanity's transition to agriculture was not only the greatest social revolution in history, but it directly produced the structures and institutions we call "civilization."

In 36 fascinating lectures, award-winning Professor Albala puts this extraordinary subject on the table, taking you on an enthralling journey into the human relationship to food. With this innovative course, you'll travel the world discovering fascinating food lore and culture of all regions and eras - as an eye-opening lesson in history as well as a unique window on what we eat today.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2013 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2013 The Great Courses

Informative and insightful

This great lecture sheds light on a sort of history I never considered. It is fascinating and reveals a lot about the cultures which are discussed. I purchase many lectures from The Great Courses. Almost all are very good - this is one of the best.

Absolutely great!

If you are a foodie, or just interested in history, this is for you. I am already listening a second time.

So educational!!

I will listen to this course twice! It starts from the beginning of man through today, worldwide.

Super audiobook

Super wykłady wiele wiedzy. Ciekawie przedstawiona historia jedzenia i gastronomii. Świetny dla każdego zainteresowanego czy to jedzieniem czy kultura bądź historia z nim związaną.

A Basic Human Need Tastefully Explained

This is the most compelling of the Myriad of lectures I have listened. I enjoyed both the culinary aspects as well as the historical documentation. Absolutely wonderfully presented. I am passing this title in to everyone one I know

This is a fabulous lecture series

I have been a fan and customer of the attaching company for years. I like this format better.
dr. Albala has a great command of history, and science. he is an expert guide to a world view of food throughout the ages. I enjoyed his lectures immensely.

My only complaint is that the chapters are not well separated as usual for the iPhone version.

Outstanding Reveal on Food

What made the experience of listening to Food: A Cultural Culinary History the most enjoyable?

Professor Ken Albala is well polished and presents in an very engaging way.

What did you like best about this story?

I love food and felt I was comfortably well informed about most things food. A Cultural Culinary History just expanded my Universe in a fun way with an incredibly fascinating wealth of information the evolution of this most common necessity.

Have you listened to any of Professor Ken Albala’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Food: A Cultural Culinary History is the first I've heard of Professor Ken Albala's work. And I loved it.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Pillage the Pantry

Any additional comments?

Professor Ken Albala is incredibly knowledgeable on the subject of food and culinary history. I love his tone and just how comfortable he is with a subject that effects us all whether we know how or why exactly. I'll be listening to this Series again. It was that good.

Two books in one!

I'm not sure whether I loved this book for the history or the history of food first. Either way I enjoyed Mr. Albala's lectures. I do have to say I put the book down (figuratively) after the first 6 lectures. I don't remember why. When I picked it up again I listened with enthusiasm. Ken Albala tells a great story.

Rethink the food you eat

This was a great lecture with insight into the food we eat everyday and why. It was extremely interesting and thoughtful. my only complaint is that I didn't get a cookbook to try the recipes!

absolutely AMAZING!

Thank you Professor Albala, you made several of my days and some of my nights because I couldn't switch off this wonderful audiobook. I love the way you speak, the way you love people and life. I am a simple person, but I love people food and life and listening to you was inspiring and heart warming!