Reviews

YA‘The perfect book for anyone who relishes food and delights in lapping up bits of trivia about it. Quotes abound, as do facts in over 28 areas of interest, including economics, literature and art, businesses, and brand names. YAs can follow the development of the Cadbury brothers as they build their chocolate empire, and discover the story behind the creation of Chicken Marengo (it was created for Napoleon Bonaparte after winning the Battle of Marengo). Black-and-white illustrations are generously scattered throughout, and include a photo of Fanny Farmer, a picture of an icebox, snapshots of early grocery stores, and even political cartoons. This is a terrific resource for elusive information frequently needed for homework assignments on the decades and limitless other topics. There are figures on the availability and cost of food, agriculture, transportation, environmental impact, and countless other references. The index is detailed. This title will certainly find a ready audience.‘Martha Ray, Kings Park Library, Fairfax County, VA

Many libraries already own works by this author, e.g. The People's Chronology (Holt, 1992), The Foodbook (Grossman, 1970. o.p.). Trager has now combined prior format and subject matter to produce yet another valuable contribution. The Food Chronology contains over 20 categories, from political events and economics to the arts and humanities, each easily identified by a corresponding symbol. The book begins at one million B.C. with the emergence of the omnivorous Homo erectus erectus and concludes with big business and environmental concerns of 1995. In between are centuries and individual years, full of more than 13,000 entries recording progress, regress, fads, milestones, and trivia. Certainly the broadest timeline of food available in one source, Trager's book would be a fine addition to any reference collection.-Wendy Miller, Lexington P.L., Ky.