Description
Book SynopsisLess than a half century ago, China experienced a cataclysmic famine, which was particularly devastating in the countryside. This book examines the role of food in one rural Chinese community, as it has shaped everyday lives over the course of several tumultuous decades.
Trade Review"
Bitter and Sweet is a rich and detailed ethnography that makes a convincing case for following food through its transformations as it is created, exchanged and consumed to reveal myriad themes of contemporary social life, what I would call a “gustemological” approach to culture." * Society for the Anthropology of Food and Nutrition *
"This is useful reading not only for fellow anthropologists in the China field, but also for anyone interested in knowing about modern China. Summing Up: Highly recommended." * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Preface and Acknowledgments Note on the Text 1 * The Value of Food in Rural China 2 * Labor 3 * Memory 4 * Exchange 5 * Morality 6 * Conviviality Conclusion: Stitching the World Together Appendix A Appendix B Notes Glossary References Index
