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 Prohibition
Edward Behr
An important and interesting look at the thirteen years of American prohibition, perhaps one of the country's greatest blunders. Behr's work, a companion piece to the A&E television special, examines the temperance movement and the outcomes of Prohibition, notably the rise in organized crime as bootlegging became essential to slake the thirst of speakeasy patrons. An especially sobering book in light of current policies designed to enforce moral behaviour, particularly the flagging war on drugs and the efforts to enact a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. Black and white photographs. Softcover, 262 pp. $18.95.
 The Oldways Table
K. Dun Gifford & Sara Baer-Sinnott
A culinary think tank, Oldways was founded in 1990 to consider ways in which to combat the growing flood of fast food and the effects of agri-business. Ninety essays from a broad range of contributors Deborah Madison, Steve Jenkins, Julia Della Croce, Elisabeth Luard illustrate what the think tank is all about in a less political way than some similar books. A selection of recipes, many of Mediterranean origin, demonstrate the simplicity of preparation and the intensity of flavour that is the hallmark of oldways cooking. A few drawings but no photos. Hardcover, 272 pp, $41.95.
  The 100-Mile Diet
Alisa Smith & J.B. MacKinnon
Imagine going a whole year without olive oil or citrus fruit. In fact , within living memory people who lived in northern areas did do just that. After learning that most ingredients for the North American diet travel 1500 miles from earth to table, Smith and MacKinnon decided to try a year of eating locally. Becoming "celebrities of the blogosphere" in the process, they ate only what was grown within a 100 mile radius of their Vancouver home. This book reveals the pleasures, pitfalls, and environmental implications of the "100- mile diet." Hardcover, 266 pp, $32.95.
 Planet Chicken
Hattie Ellis
Like a veal calf, the chicken’s short life is not a pleasant one. British writer Hattie Ellis details the evolution of chicken farming into a business in which up to 10,000 may co-exist in one closed space. While raising serious questions about the ethical advisability of continuing to consume birds raised in these conditions, Ellis, in interviews with small producers, also offers hope for the return to “real” chicken. Foreword by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Hardcover, 308 pp, $29.95.
 Twinkie, Deconstructed
Steve Ettlinger
An absolutely essential read for anyone still eating processed junk foods, this may put you off them forever. If you've ever wondered what all those hard to pronounce ingredients were this will tell you, and you will be shocked. For example, cotton cellulose, an ingredient in snack cake fillings that adds the slippery, whipped-cream like texture, is also used in rocket fuel. Or that calcium sulfate, used as a coagulant for the filling, is mined from gypsum and otherwise known as plaster of paris. I could go on, but you really should read it for yourselves. And don't think these things are just in Twinkies. Hardcover, 282 pp. $30.00.
 Organic, Inc.
Samuel Fromartz
The intriguing story of how organic farming became the big business
it is today this book chronicles the growing presence of organic
food on the national conciousness. More interesting than the history
of organic farming is the debate within the organic movement itself
over the growing corporate presence in a world where big business
is traditionally the enemy. Hardcover, 294 pp. $32.95.
 Seeds of Change
Henry Hobhouse
A dense but undoubtably interesting read on the role of certain plants
in shaping modern history. Hobson traces the cultural impact of
quinine, sugar, cotton, potatoes, and coca. These crops enabled
colonialism, drove the slave trade, and caused wars. A unique book
similar to Salt by Mark Kurlansky. See also Hobson's Seeds of
Wealth.
Softcover, 381 pp. $21.50.
 Seeds of Wealth
Henry Hobhouse
A follow-up to Seeds of Change, in this volume Hobson explores the exploitation
of crops and how farming and harvesting practices influence world
history and culture in unexpected ways. The roles of timber, wine
grapes, rubber, tobacco, and coffee are explored. Softcover, 313
pp. $20.50.
 Real
Food
Nina Planck
The former manager of New York’s Greenmarket system proudly defends real
food — eggs, animal fats, grass-fed beef — while exposing the dubious
science which has made modern day consumers turn from these foods to the products
of agribusiness. Planck reinforces her case with an extensive bibliography, a
resources list and a selection of recipes. Hardcover, 343 pp, $31.95.
Chew on This
Eric Schlosser & Charles Wilson
From the author of Fast Food Nation comes more disturbing behind
the scenes information on fast food that will make you think twice. One hopes
that those who consume fast food will read this and hopefully change habits.
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In Defense of Food 
The
Omnivore's Dilema: A Natural History of Four Meals 
Stuffed and Starved
The Taste of Place
The Fight for Fordhall Farm 
Bitter Chocolate
Food
Alice Waters and Chez Panisse 
The
Real Food Revival 
At
Grandmother's Table 
Slow
Food 
A
Thousand Years Over A Hot Stove 
Chewing
Gum