The Story of Corn
by Betty Fussell
On This Page
Description
In an authoritative, wise and wholly original blend of social history, art, science and anthropology, Betty Fussell tells the story of corn in a narrative that is as uniquely hybrid as her subject. It is a story that can be told in the language of myth or industry, of sacred ritual or secular farming, but in any language it makes clear that all the civilizations of the Western Hemisphere have been built on corn. The great epic of this amazing grain and of the people who for seven centuries show more have planted, eaten, worshipped, processed and profited from it reaches into every corner of American life--not just its food but also its poetry, its commerce, its religion and, of course, its booze. In her beautifully balanced text as well as in hundreds of extraordinary illustrations, Fussell juxtaposes the many facets of corn's history and influence to surprising, dramatic effect. The Story of Corn changes completely one's sense of the shape and nature of the American experience. You will never again munch on a hush puppy, admire a Maya temple, read Hiawatha or simply pass a cornfield in the same way. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
Members
- Recently Added By
Lists
One Book, Many Authors
441 works; 39 members
Books in the Bibliography of Contested Continent by Peter Mancall
495 works; 1 member
Author Information
16+ Works 876 Members
Betty Fussell is the author of ten previous books, including The Story of corn and My Kitchen Wars. A contributor to the New York Times, The New Yorker, Saveur, Food Wine, Gastronomica, and other publications, she has also lectured widely on food history. Western born, she lives in New York City.
Awards and Honors
Awards
Common Knowledge
- Epigraph
- I believe in the forest, and in the meadow, and in the night in which the corn grows. - Henry Thoreau, "Walking" (1862)
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 205
- Popularity
- 158,989
- Rating
- (3.86)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 3
- ASINs
- 2
