Smokelore is an excellent, very readable, and fascinating history of American BBQ culture. Meathead is mentioned twice. Once on pg 110 as mentioning that beer can chicken is a waste of good beer (and again in the source notes) and a second time in the appendix as a source for information on the Chicago BBQ history. The source notes and bibliography total 15 pages so this is well researched.
https://smile.amazon.com/Smokelore-S...dp/0820338419/
The book covers the history of American BBQ dating back to the late 1400s to the present day. It acknowledges the roles of slavery and African slaves in a thoughtful way. It discusses the different regional tastes, some of the early pioneers in the 1800s and 1900s, sauces, the history of competition BBQ, the start of Weber, Char-Broil, and Hasty Bake. It features Louis Mueller and Franklin and talks about the role of women as well. There are other topics as well so it is a fairly comprehensive overview.
And all throughout the book are wonderful pictures of old advertising, historical BBQs, and other media (paintings etc).
The author spent decades as a reporter so the writing is entertaining, but not academic, and he clearly has a passion for BBQ. When someone loves their subject matter, it shows in the writing and the pages fly by. He also acknowledges prior BBQ history books and their contributions to his own work. He includes recipes that are representative of the times being discussed so maybe a few ideas along those fronts if that is something that interests you.
if you are a member here, I have to think you’d enjoy this book a lot. A great and educational read.
The book won’t replace a detailed history study of a single dish like Troutman does , but it does introduce a lot of new information and individuals for the major BBQ regions of the US. As an added bonus, my book came autographed (to someone else but still).
https://smile.amazon.com/Smokelore-S...dp/0820338419/
The book covers the history of American BBQ dating back to the late 1400s to the present day. It acknowledges the roles of slavery and African slaves in a thoughtful way. It discusses the different regional tastes, some of the early pioneers in the 1800s and 1900s, sauces, the history of competition BBQ, the start of Weber, Char-Broil, and Hasty Bake. It features Louis Mueller and Franklin and talks about the role of women as well. There are other topics as well so it is a fairly comprehensive overview.
And all throughout the book are wonderful pictures of old advertising, historical BBQs, and other media (paintings etc).
The author spent decades as a reporter so the writing is entertaining, but not academic, and he clearly has a passion for BBQ. When someone loves their subject matter, it shows in the writing and the pages fly by. He also acknowledges prior BBQ history books and their contributions to his own work. He includes recipes that are representative of the times being discussed so maybe a few ideas along those fronts if that is something that interests you.
if you are a member here, I have to think you’d enjoy this book a lot. A great and educational read.
The book won’t replace a detailed history study of a single dish like Troutman does , but it does introduce a lot of new information and individuals for the major BBQ regions of the US. As an added bonus, my book came autographed (to someone else but still).
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