Renowned food expert and cookbook writer Alan Davidson, along with more than fifty specialists from all over the world, packs this fascinating volume with more than 2,600 entries on every type of food-from plant and dairy products, meats, poultry, and nuts to seafoods, cereals, and exotic foods. They examine famous dishes from around the world, from cassoulet to sonofabitch stew, and include more than 140 entries on national and regional cuisines-even edibles from Antarctica. Handsomely illustrated and augmented with information on food preservation, food science, and more, this extraordinary book is an essential resource for anyone with a serious interest in the central place of food in human life.