Chopsticks: A Cultural and Culinary History

This book is based on research that has been well encapsulated and presented in a way that makes it easy but an engaging read. People interested in knowing more about how different aspects of agriculture, geography, trade and preferences influenced the formation of the way of life where chopsticks are central will find this book interesting.

A very detailed look into the history of chopsticks. I enjoyed the care and well though out way the author presented this work. Definitely a great reference book.

The book is nice but after I unboxed it I noticed a year in the cover. I was disappointed in this as it the rest of the book is nice but someone saw the rear and still packaged it.

good

This is an interesting, well-written history of chopsticks. It's mildly academic (the author is academic) and sourced, with footnotes on most pages, although these are also academic they often contain bits of interesting information. There are a number of plates that show various aspects of chopsticks and the associated cuisine. Wang agrees with others that there are three basic eating formats: chopsticks, forks and knives and spoons, and fingers. He sees these as associated with major world cultures and religions. Chopstick users are in East Asia: China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan. There are some differences; Koreans, he says, prefer metal chopsticks, the Vietnamese prefer them made of bamboo, the Japanese of wood. One major change in recent years is disposable chopsticks, which are seen as more sanitary.The history is rather more complicated than one might think. The utility of chopsticks depends partly on the kind of dishes served. North China grew millet and wheat, and South China rice. The style of cooking changed over time and utensils relate to this. For much of its history Chinese cuisine used a spoon along with chopsticks. Wang explains this quite well.I found Chapter 5 to be the most interesting. It covers manners, customs of use, and etiquette. This can be quite elaborate; Wang traces changes in etiquette, using legends and stories to make some interesting points. This portion focuses mostly on China. Chapter 6 is also quite good; it examines chopsticks as symbol, cultural items and gifts. Some is obvious: chopsticks are features of wedding festivities, because to be usable they have to function as a pair. These two chapters are a combination of history and a kind of social anthropology.Chopsticks have spread widely. Using them properly requires being taught. The Japanese have training chopsticks--when I looked at the illustration I was reminded of training wheels for bikes. Wang has a charming personal aside on how he was instructed in their use by his mother.

What a wonderful history of eating habits throughout the world. The author tells all about the chop stick. A good read for the curious.

The only book on chopstick history I could find, interesting, very oriented toward Chinese history but I guess given the subject matter that is to be expected.

Bought as gift!