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The Food of a Younger Land

Mark Kurlansky
Riverhead Books (2009)
ISBN 9781594488658
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebeccasreads.com (06/09)


I found the story behind “The Food of a Younger Land”  by Mark Kurlansky to be very interesting.  Apparently, back in the 1930’s, President Roosevelt created the Federal Writers’ Project of the WPA in an effort to create work for authors.  Writers were sent throughout the country to document the eating habits of local people.  The project was entitled “America Eats” and was never followed to completion because of the war.  Bestselling author Mark Kurlansky found and dusted off these old WPA files, pulled out most interesting selections out of mountains of manuscript, and created the book “The Food of a Younger Land.”  Interjected in numerous spots throughout the book is the author’s own commentary which provides the reader with more information about the subject matter at hand.

I really enjoyed getting this glimpse of America back when “food was seasonal, regional, and traditional.”  So much has changed in the days of freezers and restaurants.  In my opinion, this is a good thing, especially considering most of the main dishes eaten in the past in the area where I am from. 

One of the most interesting parts of the book to me was the section of Colorado superstitions.  Some I had heard of, others I had not.  My favorite of those listed was “If you put a piece of wedding-cake under your pillow for seven consecutive nights, on the seventh you will dream of your future husband.”  From superstitions, to recipes, to poetry, to stories, this compilation of documents is a fascinating look at the past that any foodie is sure to enjoy! 

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