Delicious
The Evolution of Flavor and How It Made Us Human
Monica Sanchez author Rob Dunn author
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Princeton University Press
Published:22nd Nov '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£22.00(9780691199474)
This book explores how the quest for flavor has profoundly influenced human evolution and shaped our history in unexpected ways.
In Delicious, Rob Dunn and Monica Sanchez delve into the fascinating relationship between flavor and human evolution. They explore how the pursuit of delectable foods has not only influenced our taste preferences but also shaped significant aspects of our history. From the invention of tools to the social dynamics of early humans, the authors present a compelling narrative that intertwines science and storytelling, making complex concepts accessible to the reader.
The book examines various intriguing topics, such as the evolution of fruits that tantalize our taste buds, the impact of flavor on the extinction of giant mammals, and even the origins of beer. Each chapter reveals unexpected connections between taste and critical moments in human development, encouraging readers to reconsider their understanding of food's role in our lives. The authors' engaging writing style invites readers to savor each idea as they would a fine meal.
Delicious is more than just a culinary exploration; it is a journey through time that highlights the significance of flavor in our social interactions and cultural practices. By blending humor, warmth, and scientific insight, Dunn and Sanchez provide a fresh perspective on how the quest for taste has been a driving force in our evolution. This book promises to change the way you view not just food, but the very essence of what it means to be human.
"One of New Scientist's best science books to read in 2021"
"A New Scientist Book of the Year"
"A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year"
"Engrossing and novel. . . . [A] fascinating and fact-filled book."---Marc Bekoff, Psychology Today
"An eye-opening and mouth-watering new book."---Bill Thompson, Post and Courier
"An engaging trip through time, science, and food."---Amy Halloran, Times Union
"Dunn and Sanchez are indeed the perfect hosts, guiding readers, with humor and expertise, through a feast of entertaining anecdotes in fields such as ecology, agriculture, psychology, art and chemistry."---Grace Rajendran, Shelf Awareness
"Our hosts at this empirical dinner party envision a new future for the study of flavor, with seats for the curious of every stripe. . . . A persuasive, entertaining argument about how our avid pursuit of deliciousness helped shape our evolutionary path." * Kirkus Reviews *
"Fascinating, unusual and truly ‘delicious’ (in more than one sense)"---Vitali Vitaliev, Engineering and Technology
"Dunn and Sanchez are scrupulous in the way they present their evidence and arguments. . . . a charming book."---Simon Ings, New Scientist
"[Dunn and Sanchez] draw from anthropology, ecology, food science, chemistry, biology, and other fields to create a compelling perspective on how flavor has driven diets and food choices in the past and continues to do so now. . . . An insightful narrative spiced with witty asides and relatable notes."---M. H. Albro, Choice
"Written with an entertaining mix of anecdotes from the authors’ culinary travels as well as findings from the latest research, Dunn and Sanchez stir together a rich variety of ingredients to create a highly satisfying and indeed flavoursome narrative."---P.D. Smith, The Guardian
"The authors Rob Dunn, an ecologist, and Monica Sanchez, a medical anthropologist, write in a lively, informative, and sometimes humorous style that blends the science of taste and aromas with stories of discovery, and personal memoirs of their journey to uncover what flavor means in terms of food choice in prehistory and evolution."---Darna L. Dufour, American Journal of Human Biology
ISBN: 9780691242088
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
304 pages