A New York Times Notable Book of 2012Food; and in particular the lack of it; was central to the experience of World War II. In this richly detailed and engaging history; Lizzie Collingham establishes how control of food and its production is crucial to total war. How were the imperial ambitions of Germany and Japan - ambitions which sowed the seeds of war - informed by a desire for self-sufficiency in food production? How was the outcome of the war affected by the decisions that the Allies and the Axis took over how to feed their troops? And how did the distinctive ideologies of the different combatant countries determine their attitudes towards those they had to feed?Tracing the interaction between food and strategy; on both the military and home fronts; this gripping; original account demonstrates how the issue of access to food was a driving force within Nazi policy and contributed to the decision to murder hundreds of thousands of 'useless eaters' in Europe. Focusing on both the winners and losers in the battle for food; The Taste of War brings to light the striking fact that war-related hunger and famine was not only caused by Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan; but was also the result of Allied mismanagement and neglect; particularly in India; Africa and China.American dominance both during and after the war was not only a result of the United States' immense industrial production but also of its abundance of food. This book traces the establishment of a global pattern of food production and distribution and shows how the war subsequently promoted the pervasive influence of American food habits and tastes in the post-war world. A work of great scope; The Taste of War connects the broad sweep of history to its intimate impact upon the lives of individuals.
#3748 in Books Colin Woodard 2012-09-25 2012-09-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.38 x .78 x 5.45l; .70 #File Name: 0143122029384 pagesAmerican Nations A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America
Review
140 of 147 people found the following review helpful. First two-thirds are excellent and well-balanced; the last third sadly not soBy Luke T. EvansI highly recommend this book; but I'm submitting a three-star review based on the book's very weak and undisciplined finish. I thought the first two-thirds of the book provided a well-documented and well-thought-out presentation of America's regional differences and the history behind those differences. It was truly enlightening; even for an historian like myself. When writing the last third; however; the author clearly lost his objective discipline. Whereas the first two-thirds were well-reasoned and well-supported; the last third devolved into stereotypes and generalities; and contained more than a few downright errors; particularly concerning the modern Deep South and Greater Appalachia. I am an unapologetic Left Coaster with clear leanings toward activist Yankeeism; but even I was able to see Mr. Woodard's clear bias in the last third of the book. I found myself cringing more than a few times at the outright inaccuracies contained in his presentation of the modern South. I could list at least a half-dozen factual errors in his presentation concerning the practice and influence of Evangelical Christianity in the Bible Belt; for instance; but would rather not bog down this review with nit-picking. It would be great if Mr. Woodard could write a revised edition where he would exercise the same historical discipline in the last third of the book that he did for the first two-thirds. Such a presentation would truly be worthy of five stars. I still feel that this book is very much worth reading; but readers should approach the last third with a skeptical eye.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Required reading for all High School studentsBy David R. GrubeI wish that this had been my American History text in high school. While I have learned bits and pieces of the founding of our nation; and then the subsequent development of federal policies and actions; and the battles between the nationalists and the state's rights citizens; this book gives a basis of understanding that is crucial to explain such things as the possibility of a New York businessman (sic) with little understanding ofnational or international cultures actually becoming our president.It is must reading. And I disagree with those who thought that the last sections of the book were weak. For me; they were the strongest.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Useful analythical toolBy Marcos CattaneoTo an outsider such as myself; generally accustomed to receive a one-sided; good/bad monolythical image of US; Colin Woodard delivers a radiography paying due attention to the complexity of the several parts comprising the US; as well as a superficial yet conclusive look on it’s garments: USA’s hat (Canada) and boots (Mexico). Through a retelling of north american most important settling movements the autor builds up sociopolitical analytical units portraying a distinctive culture or ethos of it’s own. The retelling of some US political and cultural milestones in light of these regional distinctions is alone entretaining. What is challenging; if yet more complex; is reviewing the historical interaction among these units; each with it’s own weight; evolution and rules of engagement; always upon changing conditions. Culturally speaking there is not one USA; nor 50. It’s not even so simple as to lay 2 USA (as red vs blue; or North vs south). The cultural display of power is better pictured as additions or alliances of different; regional interest groups to preserve or advance in their agenda. Woodward’s main focus is on two antagonistic regions: “Deep southâ€; which in essence; is the southern slavist confederacy minus previously founded Virginia and north carolina –“Tidewaterâ€-; sort of a rogue fundamentalistic apartheid state within USA. Together with Tidewater and Appalachia they formed an Axis of Evil during segregation era.Atop 9 other “rival regional cultures†stands “Yankeedomâ€; that is; New England plus upper midwest and most of the state of New york (but not New york city; here a sort free trade city of “New Amsterdamâ€). Heirs to the intolerant puritans; they are highly egalitarian; communalistic; messianic; literate; moralistic; self righteous; self confident; they are the vanguard of America; eager to preach and teach on everyone else how to run private and public affairs. These two cultures; Deep south and Yankeedom; are the ones that expanded the most; along two frequent minor allies ocassionally playing the role of kingmakers; “Appalachia†and the “Midlandsâ€. They are respectivelly the cultures of the mountains and the flats; deemed as poor/ignorant and middle class; not really designed to lead others; but rather let be unmolested. “Left coast†is the pluralistic and modern; capitalist-minded offshot of New England. “El norte†and “far west†are the other frontier regions; sparsely populated wastelands and very much dependant and prone to exploitation. Despite promising starts; in Woodard’s view both turned out to be failed experiments. However; they have ace in hand.; accrueing to considerable veto power in the shape of their natural resources through the corporate lobbies and federal interests vested in it (Far west); and the prospect of latino population growth (El norte).Whatever political positions may be grasped from the author's evaluation of each regional political culture; I would say he leans to label in a politically correct form most of progressive and civil issues; while he casts a dark shadow on the fiercest conservative stances; incluiding US agressive foreign policy in the hands of a Cowboy such as George W. Bush; corporate excess; racial and religous bigotry; etc.The author closes this account with a favourable statement on canadian non-anglo regions; as an example of multiculturalism; identity resistance and social liberalism.Sharing some of the traits of new england and pacific coast; Québec (“New france) fits as the most advanced nation; and in this case; possibly a future nation state as well. The most surprising assesment is that of the inuit province (“First nationâ€); a hallmark of envoironmentalism; gender egalitarism and cultural preservation.As Woodard concludes; this first nation might well be also the last.
