Barbecue: A History moves from backyard grills to restaurant smokehouses in an exploration of what has become a global phenomenon. In vivid and entertaining detail, Tim Miller examines historical accounts of early barbecues at July Fourth celebrations and backwoods square dances, as well as presidential barbecues with Lyndon Johnson and recent barbecue competitions that draw hundreds of challengers. While it didn't necessarily start out this way, much of the barbecue consumed today comes from restaurants, as Miller shows through a history of barbecue restaurants from the roadside shacks of the late 1800s through the large chains and nationally known restaurants of today. Because barbecue is not only an American obsession, international versions of barbecue are also detailed, such as kebabs and carne asada. Many historical recipes are included, not just for barbecued pork or chicken but also for all the fixings that go along with a barbecued meal, like potato salad and baked beans. Readers are treated here to a delightful and thorough history of barbeque, including its appearance in music, television, and film, and a consideration of how we think of and enjoy barbeque today.
Industry Reviews
Considerable research supports Miller's examination of barbecue. It's clear that his status as a historian along with his love of food (see his blog, Grog to Grits) make for a perfect combination. Indeed, he considers anything barbecue his province, from history and classic fare to restaurants, global variations, and barbecue in the arts and popular media. His presentation is chronological, thorough, and written for popular reading. Barbecue is tracked from just before (and after) Columbus' discovery of America to its 1950s heyday. Although he doesn't always follow standard recipe format-that is, ingredients, equipment, prep and cooking time, and instructions-Miller features a few directions with the caveat that the dish has not been tested for accuracy and taste. Any foodie will enjoy his foray into barbecue restaurants (seven in all, including Famous Dave's) as well as his survey of world barbecue, which is about grilled meat rather than the sauces and rubs Americans are accustomed to. * Booklist *
In this, his first book, Miller explores a seemingly innocuous topic that is in fact steeped in so much lore and argument that even the definition of barbecue is hotly debated in some circles. This book, part of 'The Meals' series, outlines history, delves into cultural impacts, and also provides some recipes. . . .The opening pages explain that barbecue may be considered a food, a way of cooking, or a type of gathering. Miller addresses it as all three, thus massively increasing the book's scope. . . .[T]he author admirably describes barbecue from a sociological perspective, particularly its role in the segregated South where barbecue restaurants were one of the few places where races would mix. . . .Summing Up: Recommended. All undergraduate and culinary institute food history collections. * CHOICE *
Barbecue: A History by Tim Miller is an interesting addition to Rowman & Littlefield's excellent 'The Meals Series,' which is edited by Ken Albala and discusses various aspects of breakfast, lunch, and dinner-three daily rituals that most of us take for granted-in the context of everyday life and culture.... [The book] contains a wealth of interesting information about barbecuing meat, especially in the USA. Eating a burnt sausage in a ketchup-soaked bun may never be the same. * Journal of American Culture *
Exploring the complexity of barbecue as a meal as well as a mode of outdoor cookery, Tim Miller marshals an array of sources into a lively culinary history that charts the diversity of an American fascination and its global connections. Describing in vivid detail the construction of barbecue pits and patios, preparation of meats that range from pork to armadillo, arrays of sauces and sides, great moments in barbecue history, and barbecue fandom and boosterism, Miller maps the barbecue landscape with enthusiasm and insight. Highlights include Miller's commentary on the development and culture of barbecue restaurants, menus, competitions, cookbooks, and literature. In quest of an introduction to the history and culture of barbecue? Miller serves it up in style. -- Bernard L. Herman, George B. Tindall Distinguished Professor of American Studies and Folklore, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Barbecue: A History is an engaging and comprehensive look at the curious twists and turns in the history of barbecue; it is particularly valuable for taking an international perspective. -- Rachel Laudan, author of Cuisine and Empire: Cooking in World History
Barbecue: A History is an immensely fun and informative book. Tracing the evolution of the word and the cuisine from its Native American origins to its international appeal today, Tim Miller is a winning guide to the foods, restaurants, and culture that make up the world of barbecue. Anyone who has ever sat down to a plate of ribs or thrown a steak on the grill will find something to love here. -- Joshua Rothman, professor of history and African American studies; Director, Frances S. Summersell Center for the Study of the South, University of Alabama
From Columbus at Guantanamo Bay to Reality TV, Tim Miller traces the entire history of what we call barbecue in all its meanings and flavors. No one has ever captured America's greatest culinary tradition, its origins, influences, and recipes so completely in one volume. -- Derrick Riches, barbecue and grilling expert, bbq.about.com
