Consider the Fork Audiobook By Bee Wilson cover art

Consider the Fork

A History of How We Cook and Eat

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Consider the Fork

By: Bee Wilson
Narrated by: Alison Larkin
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Since prehistory, humans have braved the business ends of knives, scrapers, and mashers, all in the name of creating something delicious - or at least edible. In Consider the Fork, award-winning food writer and historian Bee Wilson traces the ancient lineage of our modern culinary tools, revealing the startling history of objects we often take for granted. Charting the evolution of technologies from the knife and fork to the gas range and the sous-vide cooker, Wilson offers unprecedented insights into how we've prepared and consumed food over the centuries - and how those basic acts have changed our societies, our diets, and our very selves.

©2012 Bee Wilson (P)2012 Tantor Civilization Food & Wine Gastronomy History History & Philosophy Science Social Sciences World Tradition

Critic reviews

"Wilson is erudite and whip-smart, but she always grounds her exploration of technological change in the perspective of the eternal harried cook - she's been one - struggling to put a meal on the table. This is mouthwatering history: broad in scope, rich in detail, stuffed with savory food for thought." ( Publishers Weekly)
Fascinating Culinary History • Engaging Cultural Insights • Pleasant Voice • Well-researched Information • Melodic Tone
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I have read a significant number of books of this ilk. I generally like the book. You lean about the history of this and that -- one of them being the fork. Although this book is packed with interesting information. There is nothing earth moving or should I should say cow moving. If you want to lean many numerous factoids, this is the book for you. For me it was just ok.

Great information if you play Trivail Pursuit

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Have you listened to any of Alison Larkin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I intensely dislike the (un)American accent she uses for the American characters in the book. It's utterly distracting and takes away from her otherwise splendid performance.

Fake American accent is distracting!

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A charming book that tells the history of what we eat through the tools we use to prepare it. The book is written with great charm and good humor and the narration is just right.

History is most often told through politics and commerce. This is history of a different sort, told through the kitchen.

What fun...

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This is even better than I hoped for, but I did have to listen away from bedtime because the narrator's voice is very calm and soothing.

Fascinating Book

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This is a wonderful romp through culinary gadget and cutlery history. Kept me engaged and fascinated by the implications of some revelations the book makes. I would highly recommend this book for cooks and foodies in addition to those who like history.

Fascinating!

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What made the experience of listening to Consider the Fork the most enjoyable?

The reader was clearly, engaging and the tempo was very good. The writing was amazingly thought provoking.

What other book might you compare Consider the Fork to and why?

I've been looking for other books as I've never read anything quite so engaging. It reminded me a bit of the James Burke show "Connections"

Which scene was your favorite?

By far the chapter on Pots and Pans were quite interesting, and the one on refrigeration.

Clearly on of the best

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Enjoyed the history of all these utensils! Low effort and fun listen about so many various implements and styles

Fun listen on food & utensils

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A great look at the evolution of cooking technology that blends history with a light humor and realistic examination of the role of cooking and the tools used to do so.

Informatively Whimsical

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What a fascinating lens through which to view the world! This book really helped contextualize the day to day life of people from various walks of life throughout history. I'm also excited to get back into the kitchen myself knowing what I now know about our varied utensils and appliances. The narrator was simply a joy to listen to with a musical voice and fantastic comedic timing for all the witty asides and unexpected connections the author included.

A charming history lesson that made me hungry.

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The narrator did a great job with many different accents.

The content is: "That's nice." (Yawn)
I put it on a faster speed for listening; that helped.

Interesting info but hum-drum

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