Tom Standage draws on a quote from philosopher Karl Popper to open his book: “There is no history of mankind, there are only many histories of all kinds of aspects* of human life.” Along with the air we breathe, food, surely, is the most important aspect of human life, as without it we couldn’t live.

    Having enough food to eat is the most basic of needs. Taking pleasure from food is one of the most enjoyable pastimes*. And in this book, Standage tells us how foods have changed human culture through the ages.

    The author has also written books that include “The Victorian Internet,” a history of the telegraph*, and “A History of the World in Six Glasses,” which looked at the way six different beverages* — beer, wine, liquor*, coffee, tea and Coca-Cola — have influenced* the world.

    Although these were interesting, they were focused on only one small aspect of what drives societal change. Food is a different kettle of fish* altogether. Beginning with hunter-gatherer societies and concluding with the development of a global seed bank and his thoughts on the future of food, Standage shows how hunger has shaped civilizations and made technological progress possible.

    He looks at the evolution* of cuisines* and shows how food has been a tool in political organization, industrial development, economic expansion and as a military* weapon.

    It’s a great story, and a must-read for anyone with interest in the role of food in our daily lives. (SD-Agencies)