Barbecue

The History of an American Institution

By: Robert F. Moss

Narrated by: David Holloway

Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Barbecue: The History of an American Institution draws on hundreds of sources to document the evolution of barbecue from its origins among Native Americans to its present status as an icon of American culture. This is the story not just of a dish but of a social institution that helped shape the many regional cultures of the United States. It begins with British colonists' adoption of barbecuing techniques from Native Americans in the 16th and 17th centuries, moves to barbecue's establishment as the preeminent form of public celebration in the 19th century, and is carried through to barbecue's iconic status today.

From the very beginning, barbecues have been powerful social magnets, drawing together people from a wide range of classes and geographic backgrounds. Barbecue has played a key role in three centuries of American history, both reflecting and influencing the direction of an evolving society. By tracing the story of barbecue from its origins to today, Barbecue: The History of an American Institution traces the very thread of American social history.

©2010 The University of Alabama Press (P)2012 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"If you enjoy reading about barbecue history, then this book is a must-read for you." ( National Barbecue News)

"This is a book that any serious lover of barbecue, with any interest at all in the origin of barbecue, would love to read." (Kansas City BBQ Society)

Great for those that love BBQ.

It's a good book. I listened to it after Aaron Franklin mentioned it in his book. it's informative but it at times drags on and feels more like a political text book.

Just wanted to grill, man.

I wasn't expecting quite this much intertwining of politics and barbecue. I had hoped for more of a technical history of BBQ, but I can't say I'm at all disappointed with the cultural aspects BBQ played a role in. It was interesting nonetheless, and there was plenty of technical history to go along with the political. I didn't feel as though the author presented much of a bias, only that of general anti-racism when discussing the pre Civil War era and beyond. The topic always came back to BBQ no matter what; the author never diverted too far from the main subject.

Holloway has an excellent voice for this subject, I found him very easy to listen to when directly narrating. That said, all of the quotes he acted out in a very exaggerated fashion. Some of the quotes from the 1700's and earlier are understandably difficult to translate from word to voice, but I still found it jarring and hammed up (forgive me). Again, though, I think he did a great job overall and would be happy to hear more narrations from him.