Janet Clarkson - Pie. A Global History [2009][A]

Book Description
Publication Date: April 15, 2009 | ISBN-10: 1861894252 | ISBN-13: 978-1861894250
Apple pie. Pumpkin pie. Shepherd’s pie. Chicken potpie. Sweet or savory, pies are beloved; everyone has a favorite. Yet despite its widespread appeal there has never been a book devoted to this humble dish—until now.
Janet Clarkson in Pie illustrates how what was once a purely pragmatic dish of thick layers of dough has grown into an esteemed creation of culinary art. There is as much debate about how to perfect the ideal, flaky pastry crust as there is about the very definition of a pie: Must it have a top and bottom crust? Is a pasty a pie? In flavorful detail, Clarkson celebrates the pie in all its variations. She touches pon the pie’s commercial applications, nutritional value, and cultural significance; and she examines its international variations, from Britain’s pork pie and Australia and New Zealand’s endless varieties of meat pie to the Russian kurnik and good old-fashioned American apple pie.
This delectable salute to the many pies enjoyed the world over will satisfy the appetites of all readers hungry for culinary history and curious about the many varieties of this delightful food, and it just might inspire them to don aprons and head for the stove.

Editorial Review
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Clarkson's loving ode to pie is a rich, savory history of one of the world's oldest and most iconic dishes. Pie plates being, quite literally, the first baking container, virtually all baked goods that weren't bread were known as pie. While winnowing down the definition, Clarkson finds that the first pies-as-we-know-them offered an ingeniously efficient mode for preserving fillings like meat and vegetables. Portability was a bonus feature-workers and travelers have been carrying pies with them at least since Chaucer's time-making them stalwarts for cooks of all skill levels. The book's slim page count belies a wealth of information, including the science of flaky crust, recipes from yesteryear, the real-life inspirations for famous pie lovers like Georgie Porgie and Little Jack Horner, and a brief dissertation on why pie is so delicious ("biology makes us do it"). With enthusiasm and detailed research, Clarkson's entertaining history is a nutrient-rich meal for the mind, sure to be devoured as happily as its subject. 40 color plates.

Reviews
'This homage to the pie is stylishly presented. Clarkson's prose is clear and informative and there are dozens of fine illustrations - photos, drawings, etchings, diagrams and reproductions of paintings - many in striking colour. All depict a pie of some sort.' - The Australian

'relates many wonderful stories about pies in a book that almost gives off the savoury, buttery aroma of flaky pastry and tasty fillings ... Pie is the latest in a series of small, engaging and beautifully illustrated books ... Clarkson weaves these tales, with arch wit, into a splendid story.' - Sydney Morning Herald

'Complete with historical recipes and a good dose of humour, this book is crammed full of delicious, mouth-watering facts that will appeal to history buffs and foodies alike.' - The Chronicle, Queensland

'Clarkson's loving ode to pie is a rich, savory history of one of the world's oldest and most iconic dishes ... With enthusiasm and detailed research, Clarkson's entertaining history is a nutrient-rich meal for the mind, sure to be devoured as happily as its subject' - Publishers Weekly

'an all-encompassing look at the world of pies in all their glorious pastry history. With lesser-known facts, period photos and recipes, this book is far from just a history lesson on the origin of pies.' - British Baker magazine

'I expected this book to be a good read and it does not disappoint. It would be a great gift for any lover of food, food history or history in general. Pie: A Global History is an attractive volume and a worthwhile addition to any serious book collection.' - MostlyFood.co.uk

About the Author
Janet Clarkson is a lecturer in the School of Medicine at the University of Queensland, Brisbane. She was written widely on culinary history.