"Epic and engrossing." —The New York Times Book Review From the #1 New York Times bestselling author and pioneering journalist, an expansive look at how history has been shaped by humanity’s appetite for food, farmland, and the money behind it all—and how a better future is within reach. The story of humankind is usually told as one of technological innovation and economic influence—of arrowheads and atomic bombs, settlers and stock markets. But behind it all, there is an even more fundamental driver: Food. In Animal, Vegetable, Junk, trusted food authority Mark Bittman offers a panoramic view of how the frenzy for food has driven human history to some of its most catastrophic moments, from slavery and colonialism to famine and genocide—and to our current moment, wherein industrial agriculture and Big Food exacerbate climate change, plunders our planet, and create a public health crisis that sickens its people. Even still, Bittman refuses to concede that the battle is lost, pointing to activists, workers, and governments around the world who are choosing well-being over corporate greed and gluttony, and fighting to free society from Big Food’s grip. Sweeping, impassioned, and ultimately full of hope, this landmark work of food history reveals not only how food has shaped our past, but also how we can transform it to reclaim our future. Bittman’s definitive account connects the dots from the first agricultural societies to our modern crisis, exploring: The Rise of Big Food: How corporations from Big Sugar to Big Ag consolidated power, creating a system that prioritizes profit over the well-being of people and the planet. A Hidden History of Famine: An unflinching look at how colonialism, slavery, and corporate greed have weaponized food and driven some of history’s most catastrophic moments. The Climate Change Connection: A clear-eyed analysis of how industrialized agriculture contributes to climate change and plunders the planet’s resources. A Path to Sustainabl
From hunting and gathering to GMOs and ultra-processed foods, this expansive tour of human history rewrites the story of our species and points the way to a better future. The history of Homo sapiens is usually told as a story of technology or economics.
