Description
Book SynopsisLooks at Japanese culinary history, delving into the writings of medieval and early modern Japanese chefs. This book traces the development of Japanese cuisine from 1400 to 1868. It shows how medieval 'fantasy food' rituals - where food was revered as symbol rather than consumed - were continued by early modern writers.
Trade Review"This volume is a cogent reminder that to truly understand the importance of food in our lives, we must examine not merely its material role, but also its symbolic significance." Choice "There is no English-language research on the subject of early modern Japanese cuisine as extensive or imaginative." -- David Eason/University at Albany, SUNY Social Science Japan Jrnl
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations and Tables Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Japanese Cuisine, a Backward Journey 2. Of Knives and Men: Cutting Ceremonies and Cuisine 3. Ceremonial Banquets 4. The Barbarians' Cookbook 5. Food and Fantasy in Culinary Books 6. Menus for the Imagination 7. Deep Thought Wheat Gluten and Other Fantasy Foods Conclusion: After the Fantasies Appendix: The Southern Barbarians' Cookbook (Nanban ryorisho) Notes Bibliography Index
