In western culture vegetarianism dates back to ancient greece. Feb 25, 2010 for the first time, this influential study by ludwig alsdorf is made available to an english speaking audience, translated by bal patil. According to berry, the first vegetarian society was founded by the ancient greek mathematician, pythagoras a key player in ninth grade geometry. Ben franklin was a vegetarian, and early american vegetarian cookbooks emerged in the late 1800s. The word vegan was invented in 1944, but for a long time before that there were many people holding similar, though not necessarily identical views. In this book i suggest such an intermittent history to the idea.
Vegetarianism dates back to a time before recorded history. Ben franklin was a vegetarian, and early american vegetarian. The story so far people have been arguing for vegetarianism for a very long time. A history, also notes a seachange in attitudes among those who came of age in the hippie era. Spencer begins in pre history and ends in modern times. In this fascinating and informative story of vegetarianism since prehistoric times, colin spencer describes the religious, philosophical, and social aspects of vegetarianism, introducing such prominent and often colorful practitioners as pythagoras, ovid, leonardo da vinci, sir thomas more, percy bysshe shelley, benjamin franklin, thomas paine, leo tolstoy, george bernard shaw, gandhi, and hitler. So the history of vegetarianism is also a history of dissidence and revolt.
In the contemporary united states, vegetarianism has gained acceptance as a practice that lowers ones risk for the diseases of affluence, e. Vegetarianism vegetarianism, the term used to describe a diet that excludes the flesh of animals, has a long, complex and often tumultuous history. Veganism is an extreme form of vegetarianism, and though the term was coined in 1944, the concept of fleshavoidance can be traced back to ancient indian. With reference to significant brahminical texts, such as key chapters of the book of manu, the book centres on the authors analysis of the role of jinism in the history of vegetarianism. Religious groups and philosophers were the first supporters of vegetarianism, and many medieval european monks were pescetarians for aesthetic. Colin spencer colin spencers vegetarianism provides an indepth look at meat abstention throughout the ages. However, the history of this lifestyle and its foundation on the respect for animal life and the planet has its roots in the indus river valley and ancient greece. From victorian vegetarians to gandhis homemade bean soup, these books explore the history of veganism long before it was trendy. The iacobbos provide fascinating stories and details about the key people, organizations, and events in vegetarianism recommended. Unearthing the ancient roots of vegetarianism ancient origins. It focuses on two of the most pertinent issues in indian religion, the history of vegetarianism and cowveneration, and its historical approach remains relevant to this day.
Vegetarianism in the united states did not start in the 1960sit has a much longer, complex history going back to the early 1800s. In this fascinating and informative story of vegetarianism since prehistoric times. A history of vegetarianism and veganism in the great world religions spiritual awakening radio with james bean on this weeks edition of. Colin spencer provides an indepth account of vegetarianism. Frank hurd, and his wife, rosalie, wrote the classic vegan recipe book. First edition, university press of new england, 1995. World history of vegentarianism the vegetarian society. This week, were looking at the ancient origins of vegetarianism. Books about vegetarian history the vegan option radio show.
In 1974, the north american vegetarian society was founded as was the magazine vegetarian times. If it misses figures like the medieval syrian poet almaarri, thats just a testament to how much vegetarian history has moved on since he wrote it in 2008. Go vegetarian this is a website to help everyone become a little more informed on the topic of vegetarianism. Vegetarianismhistory, vegetarian cooking, books barnes. The three primary reasons are spiritual, nutritional, and ethical. Jan 31, 2001 today, the notions may persist of woollyheaded middleclass dogooders, but spencer, writing this in 1995 the heretics feast. It then gets increasingly britannocentric as it advances through history, giving an enlightening history of vegetarianism leading up it begins with a study of the diet of prehistoric humans, and proceeds through pythagoras and the ancient greeks, to early christianity and the heresies. Heretics feast a history of vegetarianism abebooks. This is still an excellent book for a history of vegetarianism. Colin spencers comprehensive book, reissued in paperback for the first time in fifteen years explores the psychology of abstention from flesh and attempts to discover why omnivorous humans at times voluntarily abstain from an. Christian vegetarianism is the practice of keeping to a vegetarian lifestyle for reasons connected to or derived from the christian faith. From encyclopedia of world environmental history vol.
Vegetarianism has been known about and practiced since ancient times. Jun 29, 20 with pellacio, berry discussed the trajectory of vegetarianism, which has been a documented part of history since the sixth century b. Food and health health and fitness history hobbies and interest horror fiction inspirational. The word vegan was coined by donald watson from a suggestion by early members mr george a. A cultural history of vegetarianism from 1600 to modern times. Spanning the millennia, he discusses those who came to vegetarianism by choice, not necessity. Here are a few of historys most famous vegetarians. A couple of people have suggested i write a book about the history of vegetarianism. What people eat is a symbol of what they believe, writes colin spencer.
But he does focus on india as the inspiration for a great deal of. Many of the worlds religions and philosophies have praised it as the ideal diet, but vegetarians have also been condemned and killed for their refusal to eat meat. If you want a lengthier discussion on vegetarianism in the u. A small number of jewish scholars throughout history have argued that the torah provides a scriptural basis for vegetarianism, now or in the messianic age. The history of vegetarianism and cowveneration in india routledge advances in jaina studies 9780415548243 by alsdorf, ludwig and a great selection of similar new, used and collectible books available now at great prices. Go vegetarian education, early learning and culture. From the dawn of man to the ancient greeks to the early christians and onwards, the book looks at the different practicalities and philosophies underlying vegetarianism and their impact on believers. For the first time, this influential study by ludwig alsdorf is made available to an english speaking audience, translated by bal patil. Its comprehensive, beginning in prehistory and including if unduly lightly western vegetarianism. I especially appreciate safran foers description of his struggle to reconcile vegetarianism with his jewish familys food traditions, from thanksgiving turkey to brisket. Colin spencers comprehensive book, reissued in paperback for the first time in fifteen years, explores the psychology of abstention from flesh. Vegans in ancient times the history of veganism part one. A history of vegetarianism, apparently unchanged in this reprint as vegetarianism.
Diet the heretics feast a history of vegetarianism. In the words of donald watson, it marked the beginning and end of vegetarian. According to colin spencer, author of the heretics feast. Although it was written in 1991, lappes book is forward thinking about the social and personal importance of eating simply, healthfully, and meatlessly. History of vegetarianism ebsco information services. Vegetarianism, the theory or practice of living solely upon vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and nutswith or without the addition of milk products and eggsgenerally for ethical, ascetic, environmental, or nutritional reasons. Intended for students, general readers, vegetarians, and vegans, as well as those interested in animal welfare and liberation, this az encyclopedia explores the historical and cultural significance of vegetarianism in the united states and beyond. In this first edition of the history of veganism series, we look back. It is impossible to consider a history of veganism without putting it in the wider context, so there is a lot that is nearly vegan along the way. Some ancient greeks were known to promote vegetarianism, including the mathematician pythagoras, who believed that all animals and humans were spiritually related because of reincarnation. The book goes thoroughly and compellingly into a history about which most vegetarians themselves are unaware. The practice of vegetarianism has a connection to religion.
Another thing to consider is tha spencer goes go more in detail about vegetarianism in europe and the uk. The history of vegetarianism and veganism bookshare. The history of animal advocacy stretches back to iron age greece and india, where voices emerge from prehistory challenging the idea that other animals exist solely for humans. Its exacting on whether particular people were really vegetarian or not. It was partly written to support the contention that veganism is a rejection of nonhuman exploitation that goes beyond dietary guidelines. The history of evolution is reflected in the human diet. Apr 11, 2017 in 1968, a minnesota chiropractor, dr. Read the fulltext online edition of the philosophy of vegetarianism 1984. Vegetarian america is a history of the movement in the us from the 18th century to today. Fainthearted readers will probably cry, and strongwilled meat eaters will probably call safran foer a wuss. Evolution of vegetarianism the history kitchen pbs food.
The history of vegetarianism and cowveneration in india. Many anthropologists believe that most early humans ate primarily plant foods, being more gatherers than hunters. This excellent book presents a vast smorgasbord of history. The mathematician pythagoras 570 bc 495 bc advocated vegetarianism. Colin spencers comprehensive book, reissued in paperback for the first time in fifteen years explores the psychology of abstention from flesh and attempts to discover why omnivorous humans at times voluntarily abstain from an available food. Henderson that the society should be called allvega and the magazine allvegan. In the 1970s us public interest in vegetarianism grew, fueled by books such as frances moore lappes diet for a small planet and peter singers animal liberation.
A history of veganism this essay focuses on the first few decades of the original vegan society. The history of vegetarianism has consisted of an amazing diversity of characters and events. Synopsis the aim of this book is to explore the psychology of abstention from flesh and to discover why omnivorous humans at times voluntarily abstain from an available food. Bee wilson picks the best books about veganism books. With reference to significant brahminical texts, such as key chapters of the book of. The salt finding granola, hummus, organic produce and whole grains is easy now, but it wasnt always. A history of vegetarianism and veganism in the great world. Colin spencer is an author and playwright and was food editor for the guardian for thirteen years. Not only is the book have a great survey of information about vegetarianism, but also includes much information on histories and religions and various cultures starting from prehistory to the present day. The manusmriti law book states, there is no sin in eating meat. Newman and the attempt ed vegan revolution of 1871 49 the first vegan cookbook new york 1874. Of the complete english histories of vegetarianism, this is the only one by a history professor and it shows. But the idea of skipping meat isnt new by any meanspeople have done it since ancient times. Vegetarianism refers to the practice of abstaining from the consumption of one or more types of foods from animal origin, especially flesh from animals.
Vegetarianism following a meatless diet and veganism the avoidance of all animal products are becoming more and more visible and popular dietary choices. Considering this, one might think that a vegetarian and, in a wider sense, vegan approach to diets is a young phenomenon, that has sprung mainly from. Learn more about the history and types of vegetarianism. Mar 29, 2016 he begins in prehistory and ends in the present day. In this fascinating and informative story of vegetarianism since prehistoric times, colin spencer describes the religious, philosophical, and social aspects of. Nov, 2016 the vegetarian diet has become very popular around the world over the last decades. Perhaps the history of european vegetarianism is a history of wishful thinking. Vegetarianism is generally for ethical, ascetic, environmental, or nutritional reasons. I lost my paper copy years ago when it fell to pieces, and im bummed, because there was a killer recipe for mulligatawny stew inside.
History of vegetarianism by colin spencer and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. Colin spencer in this fascinating and informative story of vegetarianism since prehistoric times, colin spencer describes the religious, philosophical, and social aspects of vegetarianism, introducing such. Vegetarianism, the theory or practice of living solely upon vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and nuts, with or without the addition of milk products and eggs. The first complete history of vegetarianism in the united states, this story reveals the people, the organizations. From prehistory to the present, he discusses those who came to vegetarianism by choice, from the. Fulton, published 1910, from the history kitchen library american cookbooks dedicated to vegetarian cooking began popping up in the late 19th and early 20th. While this book takes into account the unique history of north american vegetarianism and the various reasons why people adopt vegetarian diets, it focuses on how movement leaders beliefs regarding the dynamics of social change contributes to the selection of particular strategies for attracting people to vegetarianism. As a general movement vegetarianism arose about the middle of the 19th cent it made considerable progress in great britain and in the united states. The first book promoting veganism by a credentialed western medical authority is published, dr. Sep 19, 1994 i am convinced that colin spencer knows everything, this book being a testament to that.
I had no idea before reading spencers fascinating and erudite history that the principles which underpin vegetarianism a hatred of slaughter, animal welfare, concern for earths balance and ecology reach back in time to the ancient world. A brief history of vegetarianism nyc veg food fest. Some wellknown philosophers are believed to have followed in pythagoras footsteps, including apollonius and socrates. Some writers assert that the jewish prophet isaiah was a vegetarian. Colin spencers comprehensive book, reissued in paperback for the first time in fifteen. Books about vegetarian history the vegan option radio. List of books and articles about vegetarianism online. The author explores the history of meateating in india and its relationship to religious thought and custom, and searches for solutions to the problem of. Vegetarianism is first mentioned by the greek philosopher and mathematician pythagoras of samos around 500 bce. In this fascinating and informative story of vegetarianism sinc. A brief overview of the background and history of vegetarianism is found in wikipedia anonymous, 2016. The far out history of how hippie food spread across america.
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