The Food of a Younger Land: A portrait of American food from the lost WPA files

From the New York Times bestselling author who ‘powerfully demonstrates the defining role food plays in history and culture’ (Atlanta Journal-Constitution).

In the throes of the Great Depression, a make-work initiative for authors-called ‘America Eats’-was created by the WPA to chronicle the eating habits, traditions, and struggles of local Americans. Mark Kurlansky, author of Salt and Cod, unearths this forgotten literary treasure, chronicling a bygone era when Americans had never heard of fast food or grocery superstores. Kurlansky brings together the WPA contributions-featuring New York automats and Georgia Coca-Cola parties, Maine lobsters and Montana beaver tails-and brilliantly showcases them with authentic recipes, anecdotes, and photographs.