The History and Culture of Japanese Food

Rating:
Summary: Argh.
Review: As the previous reviewer mentioned, although this book neatly summarizes the historical development of Japanese dietary patterns and symbolism, its price is much higher than one might consider reasonable. This makes the lack of an index an especially egregious flaw; although the table of contents is reasonably informative, it doesn't provide an adequate substitute.

If you absolutely must have a single-volume reference on the subject, this would certainly conserve space on your bookshelf, but I suspect that most people would consider their money better-spent if spread across several different books that add up to the same total price.

Rating:
Summary: price too high, even for a text
Review: The book is packed full of history that I have only seen in bits and pieces here and there. It is like watching the Discovery channel (fun, informative, and somewhat unbiased). Although the price is extremely high, I think it is currently the only book of it's type. A less expensive way to begin a study of the history of Japanese food is by reading "The Folk Art of Japanese Country Cooking," by Gaku Homma. Check that one out first and if the appetite is not satisfied, consider investing in this one.

Rating:
Summary: price too high, even for a text
Review: The book is packed full of history that I have only seen in bits and pieces here and there. It is like watching the Discovery channel (fun, informative, and somewhat unbiased). Although the price is extremely high, I think it is currently the only book of it's type. A less expensive way to begin a study of the history of Japanese food is by reading "The Folk Art of Japanese Country Cooking," by Gaku Homma. Check that one out first and if the appetite is not satisfied, consider investing in this one.