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The Table Comes First Adam Gopnik

The Table Comes First By Adam Gopnik

The Table Comes First by Adam Gopnik


$10.00
Condition - Very Good
Only 3 left

Summary

One of the finest essayists of the age takes us on an entertaining journey through just what it means for food to be 'good'.

The Table Comes First Summary

The Table Comes First by Adam Gopnik

Our modern society is very particular about what constitutes good food: local, seasonal, organic produce that doesn't overly impact on the environment. But throughout history every generation has believed that it alone knows the true value of food, and looked with distaste on the culinary practices of its predecessors. Not so long ago eating food from around the world was the mark of the cultural sophisticate. In The Table Comes First Adam Gopnik envisions a new 'physiology of taste' which will enable us to dispense with this moralising attitude and concentrate on the pleasure principle: food is to be enjoyed, and to help us enjoy life in turn. Above all the dining table should be the heart of the family, the place where all real family begins. To show this we are taken through the courses, from starters to desserts, from the establishment of the first restaurants in Paris in the early 19th century to the green movement of the present day, in a witty and erudite narrative interspersed with delightful anecdotes, ranging from making souffles for Derrida (hint: the perfect souffle is determined by the ineffable 'zone' between peaks and troughs) to hunting the lost recipe for 'Steack Boston'.

The Table Comes First Reviews

'The Table Comes First is a fascinating and sometimes moving reflection on its importance' The Glasgow Herald. * Glasgow Herald *
'In the tradition of A.J. Liebling and M.F.K. Fisher, Adam Gopnik understands how writing about food can produce a prescription for life well lived' Fay Maschler. * Fay Maschler *
'A great read, and important: a treatise on the history of food anchored by the importance of eating, together, food that you like around a table' Independent. * Independent *
'Gopnik is a modern Brillat-Savarin ... His writing, although thought-provoking, is lucid and lovely' Literary Review. * Literary Review *
'The witty journey to these frustrating ends remains fascinating' Metro. * Metro *
'It feeds the mind' The Times. * The Times *
'a sparkling collection of musings on life, liberty and the pursuit of gastronomic satisfaction ... What more can any reader ask than fine writing and intelligent argument from an author of strong opinions who is prepared to slaughter a whole herd of sacred cows and isn't afraid to get down and personal?' Jewish Chronicle. * Jewish Chronicle *
'I need to read anything that Adam Gopnik writes and these essays on food, eating and - it follows - life are a particular feast. His acuity, grace, sensitive intelligence (in short, his brilliance) are, as ever, dazzlingly displayed and yet with the lightest of touches' Nigella Lawson. * Nigella Lawson *

About Adam Gopnik

Adam Gopnik is the author of Paris to the Moon and Through the Children's Gate and is a contributor to The New Yorker. He lives in New York City with his wife and two children.

Table of Contents

A Small Starter: Questions of Food. COMING TO THE TABLE: Who Made the Restaurant? What's the Recipe? E-mail to Elizabeth Pennell - Anchovies, Bacon, Lamb. CHOOSING AT THE TABLE: How Does Taste Happen? E-mail to Elizabeth Pennell - Lamb, Saffron, Cinnamon; Meat or Vegetables? E-mail to Elizabeth Pennell - Chicken, Pudding, Dogs; Near or Far? E-mail to Elizabeth Pennell - Salt, Pork, Mustard. TALKING AT THE TABLE: In Vino Veritas? E-mail to Elizabeth Pennell - Potatoes, Steak, Air; What Do We Write About When We Write About Food? What Do We Imagine When We Imagine Food? E-mail to Elizabeth Pennell - Rice, Milk, Sugar. LEAVING THE TABLE: Paris at Last; E-mail to Elizabeth Pennell - Salmon, Broccoli, Repentance; Endings; Last e-mail to Elizabeth Pennell . Reading on the Way Home.

Additional information

GOR004572578
9781849162869
1849162867
The Table Comes First by Adam Gopnik
Used - Very Good
Hardback
Quercus Publishing
2011-09-29
304
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - The Table Comes First