Description
Book SynopsisIn this book, Brian Hayden provides the first comprehensive, theoretical work on the history of feasting in archaeological and ethnographic perspective. The Power of Feasts chronicles the evolution of feasting behavior from its first perceptible prehistoric presence to modern industrial times in order to understand the social and political structures of past societies.
Trade Review'Hayden touches on a huge variety of themes of the broadest interest and importance, from domestication to state formation, and religion to prostitution (the latter two sometimes simultaneously) … His book pulls together decades of personal research integrated into an overarching and compelling account of nothing less than feasting as human history.' Robert Witcher, Antiquity
Table of Contents1. Before the feast: overview of the importance of feasting; 2. Food sharing and the primate foundations of feasting behavior Suzanne Villeneuve; 3. Simple hunter/gatherers; 4. Transegalitarian hunter/gatherers; 5. Domesticating plants and animals for feasts; 6. The horticultural explosion; 7. Chiefs up the ante; 8. The first states; 9. Feasting in industrial societies.
