Nonfiction Book Reviews
The Extraordinary Voyage of Pytheas the Greek by Barry Cunliffe
Walker Books, April, 2002Hardcover, 192 pages
ISBN: 0802713939
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
The Extraordinary Voyage of Pytheas the Greek
immediately immerses the reader in the Mediterranean
world of 340 B.C. Barry Cunliffe is uniquely equipped
to take the reader on this journey. He is a professor of
European Archaeology at Oxford University, as well as
the author of several books on ancient history, including
The Ancient Celts, and Facing the Ocean: The Atlantic
and Its Peoples. Professor Cunliffe has personally visited
many of the sites mentioned in the text. The amazing
complexity of this world with its many settlements around
the perimeter of the Mediterranean is laid out for the
reader in a wealth of detail gleaned from Professor
Cunliffe's encyclopedic knowledge of the time. Details
about the trade practices of the inhabitants of
the Mediterranean area, and in-depth scholarship about the
geological changes that have occurred over time enrich
the story of what became the
foundation for the cultures upon which we have built
our contemporary western-dominated world.
As always, trade built not only wealth; it built curiosity and exploration. To find supplies of the most desired goods that people sought to purchase and possess was to find wealth and power. Massalia, which is today called Marseille, was a Greek colony, and Pytheas is now enshrined in a statue set in the facade of the Marseille Bourse, or stock exchange. Around 320 B. C., Pytheas wrote a book about his voyage called On the Ocean, that sadly has been lost. Nevertheless, excerpts from his book have been quoted by at least eighteen ancient authors and commentators whose works, luckily, did survive the vicissitudes of life in the tumultuous history of the region. Pytheas described lands to the north of the Mediterranean and the peoples who inhabited these lands. The search for the desirable goods, such as amber and tin, lured Pytheas to explore what was no doubt the coasts of France, the Netherlands and the southern shores of Britain. He described the customs of the various inhabitants and even noted that the ocean and waters of certain lands were "congealed" -- which makes us wonder if he even arrived in Iceland.
No matter where Pytheas actually explored, Professor Cunliffe's fascinating pictures of this ancient world and the inhabitants of the lands north of the Mediterranean make The Extraordinary Voyage of Pytheas the Greek an intensely interesting book to read. The many facts that his research has turned up are laid out in a vibrant portrait of a time that still seems shrouded in mystery to most readers. The mysteries of the beginnings of the modern Europeans are recounted for us in this very entertaining work of scholarship.
--Sarah Reaves White
The Middle Path Cookbook: A Vegetarian Awakening! by Jay Disney
The Overlook Press, April, 2002Hardcover, 256 pages
ISBN: 1585672602
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Vegetarianism is becoming more and more popular.
People decide to take up a no-meat lifestyle for
many different reasons: philosophical, religious or
health reasons are the most common reasons for
becoming a Vegan. Jay Disney, the author of
Let There Be Lite shares his holistic approach to food
in his newest book. A vegetarian himself, Disney
embraces the Middle Path -- that is, a path of moderation
in all things. His latest cookbook is aimed at
carnivores who are hesitant about the whole vegetarian
thing, but are willing to take a chance on a different way
of cooking and eating. Unlike his last cookbook, not
all of the recipes are low-fat; there are some included, however.
But high or low fat, they are all quite delicious.
Even the most devout carnivore is sure to enjoy Onion Quiche, Risotto Con Funghi, Cheese Souffle, Viva Italia Penne and Santa Fe Corn Chowder. And for dessert, why not try the Steamed Miniature Chocolate Cakes, the Dangerous Pecan Sandies, or Mocha Nut Thins? The recipes are easy to follow, although some take more work than others. A handy section at the end of the book, called Informational Digressions, answers such questions as whether fresh is always better, and an Ingredients and Techniques Section has some very helpful definitions and cooking instructions. Altogether, this is a useful cookbook which will appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike.
The Occidental Tourist by Stan Frankenthaler and Sally Sampson
Simon and Schuster, 2001Hardcover, 315 pages
ISBN: 0684873079
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Stan Frankenthaler, chef of the award-winning Salamander
restaurant in Boston, has been nominated three times for
the James Beard Award as Best Chef in the Northeast.
In The Occidental Tourist he shares his food philosophy,
and makes his famous recipes accessible to the home cook.
The book begins with a chapter on essentials. Frankenthaler
lays out the equipment and ingredients that you need to
have on hand to create his Asian-inspired dishes. He then goes
on to describe the recipes for some fabulous dishes, from starters to desserts, and
everything in between. He also includes some of his
secret weapons, which will spice up any dish: flavored oils,
dipping sauces, relishes and chutneys.
Frankenthaler is a genius with fusion dishes, and cooks will thrilled to be able to create such dishes as Curry-basted Grilled Jumbo Scallops with Cashew Sauce, Teriyaki Glazed Halibut With Sake Pine-nut Sauce, Beef Short Ribs Braised With Sweet and Sour Onions, Chocolate Lemon Ginger Madeleines, and Simple and Rich Rice Pudding. Salamander regulars will be especially pleased with the inclusion of the popular dish of Black Tea-Brined Chicken. The recipes provide plenty of explanation for those that are unfamiliar with some of the techniques of Asian cooking. As Frankenthaler urges readers, "Don't be put off by unfamiliar ingredients or cooking methods. I describe these techniques and identify like ingredients -- soon lemongrass and lime leaves will be as familiar to you as nutmeg and parsley!" And he's right. They will, to the delight of those you invite over to dinner.
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