How Would You Like Your Mammoth?: 12,000 Years of Culinary History in 50 Bite-Size Essays
About this ebook
“[Uta Seeburg] brings the characters of history to life in fifty snackable essays . . . the amuse-boucheto a historical smorgasbord.”—Max Miller, New York Times–bestselling author of Tasting History
Did you know that ancient Egyptians mummified beef ribs for their dearly departed to enjoy in the afterlife? That Roman gladiators were relegated to a vegan diet of grains and beans? That the fast-food hamburger was a result of a postwar, high-efficiency work ethic?
This snackable collection of essays is a chronological journey through the culinary history of humankind, packed to the brim with juicy tidbits. With author Uta Seeburg as your guide, you’ll learn how certain dishes serve as windows into broader historical trends and the cultural values of the people who first invented them. As you read, you’ll discover why:
- Nomads in ancient Syria were deadly serious about hospitality
- A 16th-century cookbook author argued that beavers should be considered fish
- Roasted swan was the centerpiece of choice in 1650s high society—despite tasting awful
- A Portuguese princess was responsible for popularizing tea in England
- A king had to order his subjects to eat potatoes
. . . and much more. Foodies and history buffs alike will savor every amusing yet educational historical snapshot, from how a bureaucratic society fixated on record-keeping brought us one of the oldest recorded recipes (lamb stew with barley and onions) to how modern-day chefs are turning invasive species into haute cuisine. How Would You Like Your Mammoth? is a fascinating look at how the food we eat defines us—and always has.
About the author
Uta Seeburg earned a PhD in literary studies and worked for many years as an editor at the German edition of Architectural Digest. There, she reported on design and travel and wrote numerous culinary essays. She now devotes herself entirely to writing books.
Max Miller is the author of the New York Times–bestselling cookbook Tasting History and the creator and host of the viral YouTube series Tasting History with Max Miller, where he shares his passion for culinary history and historic dishes. Max’s work has been covered in outlets including America’s Test Kitchen, ABC’s Localish, Binging with Babish, Chowhound, Foodsided, GLAAD, KTLA Morning News, Mythical Kitchen’s podcast A Hotdog Is a Sandwich, The Rachael Ray Show, and Today.com. He’s also a regular guest on Simon Majumdar’s food history podcast Eat My Globe. Max currently resides in Los Angeles, California, with his husband, José, and their cat, Cersei.
