What You Never Knew about Fingers, Forks, & Chopsticks

I did not realize the history of eating utensils was so interesting. I did become intrigued when I lived in Thailand and learned to eat their way with a fork and spoon or watched Europeans with their forks and knives. I am still not good at eating sticky rice and accompanying dishes with my hand. My favorite situation was watching Thais describe the way Chinese eat with chopsticks. The Thai think that the way Chinese eat is barbaric. Little do they know that most Americans think they eat with chopsticks too!

This book takes a humorous, illustrated look at the history of eating habits. It educates, while simultaneously poking fun at ancient and modern affectations associated with the dinner table. It starts and ends with a primitive family who are just beginning to make use of fire. It gives brief descriptions of eating customs and utensils in different cultures over the centuries. The evolving dining and feasting customs of medeval Europe are particularly amusing. Children will have a new appreciation for their spoons, knives and even forks after reading the author's amusing take on their introduction into our popular use. This is a book that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in our family--from the six-year-old to the adults.