From the one-time editor of the 1 bestselling The Good Food Guide award-winning writer Drew Smith’s Oyster: A Gastronomic History offers readers a global view of the oyster tracing its role in cooking art literature and politics from the dawn of time to the present day. Oysters have inspired chefs painters and writers alike have sustained communities financially and ecologically and have loomed large in legend and history. Using the oyster as the central theme Smith has organized the book around time periods and geographical locations looking at the oyster’s influence through colorful anecdotes eye-opening scientific facts and a wide array of visuals. The book also includes 50 recipes—traditional country dishes and contemporary examples from some of the best restaurants in the world. “A brilliant crusade for the oyster that shows how food has shaped our history art literature lawmaking culture and of course lovemaking and cuisine. ” —Renowned French chef Raymond Blanc “Drew Smith’s Oyster satisfies on so many levels. It is rich in history lore recipes fascinating images—in short a delicious book from start to finish. ” —Sandy Ingber Grand Central Oyster BarIncludes color and black-and-white illustrations. Language: English