The Devil's Picnic: Travels Through the Underworld of Food and Drink
2 journalers for this copy...
from the cover..
"In this provocative and tantalizing travelogue Grescoe takes readers on a mouthwatering search for the forbidden fruits of Europe, Asia and the Americas. From Bolivian tea laced with cocaine to criadillas, a Spanish stew of bull's testicles, Grescoe devours the world's most sought after (and often illegal) delicacies, swilling 186 proof moonshine in Norway, tempting fate with unpasteurized cheese in France, and smuggling poppyseed biscuits into Singapore--all in the name of a good meal. He also calls into question the repressive legislation against such dishes, and explores the mystique that surrounds these illicit treats to unearth how something as fundamental as the plants and food we comsume came to be so vilified and demonized."
Part travelogue, part foodie, part anti establishment. I loved it! Some parts made me go "EWWWW!", others made me want to seek out the things he was writing about. Basically the author is making a huge statement on why governments ban things rather than allow people of sound mind their own decisions as to what is or is not good for themselves.
This book is not for the faint of heart and makes one think about their "freedom" differently. It is the last book I read in 2007, actually it is the second copy I have owned, the first being unregistered and accidently left in a doctor's office in November 2007. They claim it was not turned in and someone probably kept it. If only I had such luck with true wild releases.
I am offering this book up as a bookring if enough participants.
"In this provocative and tantalizing travelogue Grescoe takes readers on a mouthwatering search for the forbidden fruits of Europe, Asia and the Americas. From Bolivian tea laced with cocaine to criadillas, a Spanish stew of bull's testicles, Grescoe devours the world's most sought after (and often illegal) delicacies, swilling 186 proof moonshine in Norway, tempting fate with unpasteurized cheese in France, and smuggling poppyseed biscuits into Singapore--all in the name of a good meal. He also calls into question the repressive legislation against such dishes, and explores the mystique that surrounds these illicit treats to unearth how something as fundamental as the plants and food we comsume came to be so vilified and demonized."
Part travelogue, part foodie, part anti establishment. I loved it! Some parts made me go "EWWWW!", others made me want to seek out the things he was writing about. Basically the author is making a huge statement on why governments ban things rather than allow people of sound mind their own decisions as to what is or is not good for themselves.
This book is not for the faint of heart and makes one think about their "freedom" differently. It is the last book I read in 2007, actually it is the second copy I have owned, the first being unregistered and accidently left in a doctor's office in November 2007. They claim it was not turned in and someone probably kept it. If only I had such luck with true wild releases.
I am offering this book up as a bookring if enough participants.
Welcome! I've had 9 people respond thus far, and have a tenative order for shipping:
1. scrutiny--Hong Kong China --here now
2. chich--France
3. Franciek--Italy
4. Arwan-Galadriel--Canada
5. TopazCat--USA
6. innae--USA
7. Sherria--USA
8. skcreader--USA
9. Home
Happy reading!
1. scrutiny--Hong Kong China --here now
2. chich--France
3. Franciek--Italy
4. Arwan-Galadriel--Canada
5. TopazCat--USA
6. innae--USA
7. Sherria--USA
8. skcreader--USA
9. Home
Happy reading!
On it's way to scrutiny. Hope it has a safe trip and is enjoyed!
Received this book from Oi-Reader today. Can't wait to get started!
Loved this book a lot. The writing style was a bit hard to swallow and really get into, but the subject matter was fascinating and I learned a lot from reading this book. I especially enjoyed the last chapter where he makes a compelling argument for decommodifying drugs.
Mailing off to the next person in the next few days!
Mailing off to the next person in the next few days!
This book is officially lost somewhere between scrutiny and chich. Chich and I both tried to find another copy on bookcrossing and could not. I managed to replace it through Powells and this ring now has a new bcid691-6094575. I do hope the original is found and enjoyed by someone.....
