Vegetarian America: A History

by Karen Iacobbo, Michael Iacobbo

Overview

The first complete history of vegetarianism in the United States, this story reveals the people, the organizations, and the events from the late 1700s to the present. Despite generally held notions that today's vegetarianism sprang from 1960s counterculture and that prior to that its only advocates were fanatics and fringe groups, the authors explore strong movements in other historical eras, the proponents of which included esteemed physicians, socialites, and other notable members of the establishment. Until now, no one has chronicled the contributions that advocates of vegetarianism have made to the American way of life in areas such as general eating habits, preventative medicine, feminism, environmental awareness, and elsewhere.

From Johnny Appleseed and the Bible-Christians to John Harvey Kellogg and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the story features dedicated and colorful characters who persevered, undaunted by the many obstacles that they faced, to convince their fellow Americans of the benefits of vegetarianism. From a religious movement, to an ethical concern about the rights of animals, to many recent nutritional discoveries, vegetarianism is a movement that continues to evolve and grow.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313361647
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	04/30/2004
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.61(d)

About the Author

KAREN IACOBBO is a jourbanalist and researcher. She is also Adjunct Professor, Freshman Studies at Johnson and Wales University and Special Lecturer at Providence College.

MICHAEL IACOBBO is a jourbanalist who has worked for the Associated Press, the Providence Phoenix, and other publications.

Table of Contents

Foreword: Veggie Pilgrim Fathersby Andrew Linzey
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1 Seeds Are Sown
2 Abstinence from Fleshfoods: Christian Vegetarians, and the English Connection
3 Sylvester Graham, Grahamism, and Grahamites
4 American Vegetarian Society
5 The Water Cures, Seventh-Day Adventists, and the Civil War
6 The Civil War to the End of the Century
7 The Progressive Era
8 The Depression to the Sixties: The Lean Years
9 Peace, Love, and Vegetarianism: The Counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s
10 Vegetarianism Has Arrived
Afterword
Notes
Index

What People are Saying About This

Suzanne Havala Hobbs

"Vegetarian America is an entertaining and informative read that puts into perspective the rich history of the U.S. vegetarian movement."

Jeff Nelson

"Karen and Michael Iacobbo have done a stellar job at digging down to the roots of our vegetarian heritage. Their new book is a bountiful harvest of fascinating information, and should be required reading for anyone walking the veg way."

Howard F. Lyman LL.D.

"Vegetarian America is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. It shows clearly where the path is leading and I hope enough of us get on it before it's too late for our children and grandchildren."

Colman McCarthy

"Every once in a while someone comes along and sees the need for explaining, or defining, and clarifying a basic reality. The Iacobbos have certainly done this with their book. It is a major breakthrough, both journalistically and inspirationally."

Editorial Reviews

Vegetarian America is a history of the movement in the US from the 18th century to today. The book goes thoroughly and compellingly into a history about which most vegetarians themselves are unaware. The Iacobbos provide fascinating stories and details about the key people, organizations, and events in vegetarianism….Recommended. All levels.” —Choice

“[T]his extremely well researched book is a worthwhile purchase for both large public and academic libraries.” —Library Jourbanal

“Vegetarian America is a truly amazing, deftly researched and succinctly presented tour of the side of America that is not so commonly seen amid the thousands of turkey, beef, and ham commercials.” —The Bookwatch

“Vegetarian America: A History is an affordable and highly recommended acquisition for the circulating collections of all academic, health sciences, and public libraries. It deserves a place in the culinary collections of all hospital and other special libraries, cooking schools, and the personal collections of everyone with an interest in the history of food.” —E-Streams

“Vegetarian America: A History should be placed in every library in this country.” —MBR Internet Bookwatch

“[A] most entertaining history of the practice of vegetarianism in the United States from the late 1700s to the present….Vegetarian America is a truly amazing, deftly researched and succinctly presented tour of the side of America that is not so commonly seen amid the thousands of turkey, beef, and ham commercials.” —Vegetarian Jourbanal

“[A] compelling, readable account of an unfamiliar history.” —Boston Herald

From the Publisher

Many people think that vegetarianism in the United States is a phenomenon of the 1960s back-to-the-earth movement, but various individuals and groups throughout our history have practiced vegetarianism for health, spiritual (mainly Christian), environmental, and economic reasons. The journalist-authors chronicle movements of voluntary vegetarianism from the early 18th century through today. Drawing on materials from an impressive array of research libraries and historical societies, they place the story of vegetarianism in relevant historical context, thoroughly treating Sylvester Graham, William Metcalfe, and William Alcott-considered the fathers of American vegetarianism-as well as the Bible Christian Church, Seventh Day Adventists, and the American Vegetarian Society. With little else available on the subject, this extremely well-researched book is a worthwhile purchase for both large public and academic libraries.-Marija Sanderling, Lane Memorial Lib., Hampton, NH Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal