Contested Tastes: Foie Gras and the Politics of Food (Princeton Studies in Cultural Sociology Book 76)

An inside look at the complex and controversial debates surrounding foie gras Who cares about foie gras? As it turns out, many do. In the last decade, this French delicacy—the fattened liver of ducks or geese that have been force-fed through a tube—has been at the center of contentious battles between animal rights activists, artisanal farmers, industry groups, politicians, chefs, and foodies. In Contested Tastes, Michaela DeSoucey takes us to farms, restaurants, protests, and political hearings in both the United States and France to reveal why people care so passionately about foie gras––and why we should care too. Bringing together fieldwork, interviews, and materials from archives and the media on both sides of the Atlantic, DeSoucey offers a compelling look at the moral arguments and provocative actions of pro- and anti-foie gras forces. She combines personal stories with fair-minded analysis of the social contexts within which foie gras is loved and loathed. From the barns of rural southwest France and the headquarters of the European Union in Brussels, to exclusive New York City kitchens and the government offices of Chicago, DeSoucey demonstrates that the debates over foie gras involve heated and controversial politics. Her rich and nuanced account draws our attention to the cultural dynamics of markets, the multivocal nature of "gastropolitics," and the complexities of what it means to identify as a "moral" eater in today's food world. Investigating the causes and consequences of the foie gras wars, Contested Tastes illuminates the social significance of food and taste in the twenty-first century. An authoritative illustrated guide to the mighty reptiles that dominated the seas of the Mesozoic for 185 million years New discoveries are revealing that many ancient oceangoing reptiles were energetic animals capable of inhabiting an array of watery habitats and climates, including polar winters. The Princeton Field Guide to Mesozoic Sea Reptiles provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of the great Mesozoic groups that commanded the seas for tens of millions of years. This incredible field guide covers 435 species and features stunning illustrations of swimming reptiles ranging in size from little lizards to others with great necks longer than their bodies. It discusses the history of sea reptiles through 185 million years of the Mesozoic, their anatomy, physiology, locomotion, reproduction and growth, and extinction, and even gives a taste of what it might be like to travel back to the Mesozoic. This one-of-a-kind guide also challenges the common image of these reptiles as giants of the prehistoric waters, showing how the largest weighed far less than today's biggest whales. Features detailed species accounts of 435 different kinds of sea reptiles, with the latest size and mass estimates Written and illustrated by the acclaimed researcher and artist who helped to redefine our understanding of dinosaur anatomy Describes placodonts, plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, mosasaurs, sea snakes, sea turtles, marine crocs, and more Covers everything from biology to the colorful history of sea reptile paleontology Includes dozens of original skeletal drawings and full-color life scenes Who cares about foie gras? As it turns out, many do. In the last decade, this French delicacy—the fattened liver of ducks or geese that have been force-fed through a tube—has been at the center of contentious battles between animal rights activists, artisanal farmers, industry groups, politicians, chefs, and foodies. This book takes the reader to farms, restaurants, protests, and political hearings in both the United States and France to reveal why people care so passionately about foie gras. Bringing together fieldwork, interviews, and materials from archives and the media on both sides of the Atlantic, the book offers a compelling look at the moral arguments and provocative actions of pro- and anti-foie gras forces. It combines personal stories with fair-minded analysis of the social contexts within which foie gras is loved and loathed. From the barns of rural southwest France and the headquarters of the European Union in Brussels, to exclusive New York City kitchens and the government offices of Chicago, the book demonstrates that the debates over foie gras involve heated and controversial politics. The book draws attention to the cultural dynamics of markets, the multivocal nature of “gastropolitics,” and the complexities of what it means to identify as a “moral” eater in today's food world. Investigating the causes and consequences of the foie gras wars, the book illuminates the social significance of food and taste in the twenty-first century. Who Cares About Foie Gras? As It Turns Out, Many Do. In The Last Decade, This French Delicacy--the Fattened Liver Of Ducks Or Geese That Have Been Force-fed Through A Tube--has Been At The Center Of Contentious Battles Between Animal Rights Activists, Artisanal Farmers, Industry Groups, Politicians, Chefs, And Foodies. In Contested Tastes, Michaela Desoucey Takes Us To Farms, Restaurants, Protests, And Political Hearings In Both The United States And France To Reveal Why People Care So Passionately About Foie Gras--and Why We Should Care Too--jacket. What Can We Learn From Liver? -- Vive Le Foie Gras! -- Gastronationalism On The Ground -- Foiehibition -- The Paradox Of Perspective. Michaela Desoucey. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Who cares about foie gras? As it turns out, many do. In the last decade, this French delicacy - the fattened liver of ducks or geese that have been force-fed through a tube - has been at the centre of contentious battles between animal rights activists, artisanal farmers, industry groups, politicians, chefs and foodies. In this volume, Michaela DeSoucey takes us to farms, restaurants, protests and political hearings in both the United States and France to reveal why people care so passionately about foie gras - and why we should care too