Consider the Fork - Book Review

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Much has been written about the history of the food we eat. But have you wondered about the origins of the fork? Or the rice cooker? Or the stove?

These are the questions and answers that author Bee Wilson gives in her book Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat.The book was actually published last year, but it has just become available in paperback this month.

This is a very interesting book that would appeal to foodies and history buffs. The utensils we use to eat and the devices we use to prepare and cook our food all have rich histories. Why don't our forks have two tines? Too devil's pitchfork. Why don't forks have five tines? Too much metal in the mouth.

Even the tiny teaspoon has an interesting history about what cultures used it, why they used it, and how it came to dominate above all the other little spoons that were being used in the olden days. I especially liked reading about measuring cups and how so many of our ancestors had VERY different ideas about what really equaled one cup. And then, of course, there is the metric system used by everyone in the world except for Americans.

If you're looking to learn a few new things and gain some fun trivia and conversation starters for parties, this would definitely be a good book for you!

Consider the Fork is published by Basic Books and is available to purchase now. I received a free copy of the book at Book Expo America with no obligation to review.