Kingdom of Rye

Kingdom of Rye: A Brief History of Russian Food

Celebrated food scholar Darra Goldstein takes readers on a vivid tour of history and culture through Russian cuisine.

The Kingdom of Rye unearths the foods and flavors of the Russian land. Preeminent food studies scholar Darra Goldstein offers readers a concise, engaging, and gorgeously crafted story of Russian cuisine and culture. This story demonstrates how national identity is revealed through food-and how people know who they are by what they eat together. The Kingdom of Rye examines the Russians' ingenuity in overcoming hunger, a difficult climate, and a history of political hardship while deciphering Russia's social structures from within. This is a domestic history of Russian food that serves up a deeper history, demonstrating that the wooden spoon is mightier than the scepter.

Review:

"Brief, but enlightening. . . . Deeply appreciative of Russian cuisine . . . and the ability of Russian cooks to take whatever was available and turn it into something edible and memorable."

* Food Politics *
"Replete not only with life and enthusiasm, but also with a deep wellspring of knowledge. . . . A wonderful, rich and thought-provoking book." * The TLS *
"This concise, information-dense, yet delightful book provides a window into the nature and history of Russian national cuisine. . . . Goldstein's book...can be recommended to almost any reader." * Economic Botany *
"A lyrical tribute to the author's decades-long relationship, both professional and personal, with Russian food. . . . If readers want to grasp the sensory and emotional importance of certain well-loved foods and dishes in Russia, they could do no better." * The Russian Review *