Wild Foods Books
Related Subjects: Insects Game
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An important readReview Date: 2006-01-06
A family affairReview Date: 2004-04-06
pleasing picture, but it's valid and it's important. And it must change.
The bushmeat trade has many implications, but Peterson has chosen three significant ones. One, of course, is that by killing chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas for food, we're consuming our nearest relations. The primate line divided only 12 million years ago, with the descendants of one line becoming today's mountain gorillas. The other line led to chimpanzees and bonobos with a spur turning off about 7 million years ago leading to you and me. The proximity of chimpanzee and human DNA patterns is no longer news, but the reminder needs to be flashed occasionally.
Another implication is health. With so much attention given to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, it's worth reflecting on its origins. More importantly, as Peterson reminds us, is to consider how it works. HIV/AIDS appears to be a recent evolutionary virus quirk. It adapts and evolves with amazing speed. The roots of it remain in the African forest and a new strain can emerge at any time. The best means of transmission from ape or monkey to human is through blood - that stuff the hunter is soaked in as he butchers his forest kill.
The third theme is the question of human relations with the rest of our environment. Human population growth is presented in a novel framework. How many humans come into existence every day is contrasted with the great ape population. Peterson calculates that the entire gorilla population is equalled by new humans every twelve hours. Population pressures in the "developed" world lead to demands for African timber products. In turn, the timber firms are cutting great swaths of forest using displaced populations for labour. To feed these workers, hunters are hired or loggers hunt and apes, due to their availability and size, become a major food source. In a feedback cycle of habitat reduction and hunting, the apes are simply being exterminated. Recovery would require sharply reduced logging. Peterson notes that trees are being taken that began growth in Michaelangelo's time, but their replacements will be cut in only forty years.
Peterson is effusive in his description of the significant role played by Swiss photographer Karl Ammann. Ammann's chance encounter with a logging truck driver revealed the role international logging firms play in the ape slaughter and the extended bushmeat trade. The logging firms, particularly CIB, contend they are providing "employment for locals, health services, food and education". Peterson explains the falsity of this contention, with "health services limited to a nurse and schools and teachers paid for by the workers' families.
Peterson argues that the long-established bushmeat tradition is already lost, displaced by commercial logging practices and new, mass hunting methods using guns, sometimes lent by government officials. If we can change a culture, such as was done with slavery, hunting traditions no longer tenable can be modified, as well. He cites the willingness of Americans to spend minimal annual funds to protect wolves, bears and other fauna. Why not establish a fund for ape protection. He calculates that US$1 billion per year could be raised with an individual contribution of but US$50. Not an enormous sum, given that other donations and military expenditures far exceed it. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
A Disturbing And Essential BookReview Date: 2003-07-19
We ourselves are members of the tribe of great apes; chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans are on the branch with us. But if African tribes don't share our scientific view or our squeamishness, traditional hunters, in predation balance over the centuries, surely are not going to do lasting harm. Traditional hunting, however, is no longer traditional. There has been an invasion from outside the continent by logging companies, making huge profits from our demand for hardwoods. The companies have lots of workers, many of them from the region, and all the workers have to be fed. Hunters, many of whom are also from the region, are hired to bring in the protein. Bows, arrows, and nets have given way to the far more efficient and deadly wire snares and automatic rifles and shotguns. Perhaps if greater firepower were the only threat to our primate cousins, they could still make it. But we are destroying their habitat (again, mostly by logging), and primates will suffer before other species because of their slow rate of reproduction. There are plenty of species headed toward extinction, but few because we are eating them, and none so close to us evolutionarily. In addition, butchering the apes may be the way humans got HIV and Ebola viruses. It may well be that you haven't heard of the problem of eating apes into extinction because the conservation organizations are keeping quiet about such a downer of a message, and because they are, believe it or not, in partnership with the loggers.
What will be needed is the courage to challenge cultural convictions. It is possible for the West to value (or at least claim to value) sensitivity to other cultures, but in the case of eating apes, it will have to impose scientific knowledge of close kinship, risk of disease, and impending loss of primates to get the native cultures to change. It may even be possible within the corporate culture, which mines habitats to get at profits, to insist not just on sustainable development (a nebulous idea the logging companies pay lip service to) but to take on a wider view of environmental improvement. You can figure up the odds of occurrence of these cultural changes, and especially if you look at our past record, you will not be optimistic. Peterson includes an appendix of what you, and what conservation organizations, can do; he obviously is not giving up hope. Perhaps it is a sign of hope that his reasonable and dispassionate account of this disaster will start many people thinking about the previously covert problem of the loss of the apes. Nevertheless, this is a profoundly disturbing and sad book, and will not be forgotten by those who can get through it.
Powerful challenge to wildlife conserv groups, loggers, moreReview Date: 2005-01-22
So says Peterson in the challenging and disturbing book Eating Apes.
Peterson writes about the hunting for bushmeat in Central Africa, specifically hunting great apes - gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos. He accuses the Wildlife Conservation Society of doing little more than giving PR flak to a German logging concern in the Congo, CIB, a decade ago, just at the time public pressure was starting to ratchet up on the issue, in large part due to photographer Karl Ammann.
He also accuses Wildlife Conservation, the magazine of WCS, along with National Geographic and other such magazines and other media for generally downplaying or even spiking the issue. Ammann, as interviewed in the book, is even blunter, noting how several wildlife conservation magazines said they didn't want his pictures specifically because they were too controversial and, in not so many words, too guilt-provoking while showing that the modern western-nation wildlife preservation industry wasn't wearing any clothes on this issue.
Read Eating Apes. Then rethink your donations to wildlife groups, at least without some strong letters to the editor.
Difficult to digest but a must-read nonethelessReview Date: 2003-08-05

Not a field guideReview Date: 2006-03-30
There are countless useful recommendations for the preparation of foraged foods, many of which would be unpalatable or even inedible without using the provided suggestions. His stories are great and he relates many tales from his days as a forager.
The problem I have with the book is that it is first and foremost a cookbook. It has drawings and descriptions of most, but not all, of the wild edibles he talks about. This is hardly a good method for identifying plants. On the back cover it even suggests you could live off the plants and animals described in the book. This is possible, but not likely, particularly if you cannot even properly identify the plants! And considering that there are numerous poisonous plants in any given locale, you had best not delve to deeply into the world of foraging without tagging along with an expert or at least having a detailed field guide.
Take the book for what it is - an excellent resource for preparing wild edibles and opening a whole new world for the outdoorsman.
Bret
The Forager at Work Review Date: 2005-07-10
Gibbons identifies and discusses the culinary virtues of about 50 different wild plants and animals. Among the familiar plants he identifies are dandelions, cattails -- the "supermarket of the swamp" -- and daylilies. He tosses in a few animals worthy of pursuit and ingestion by the modern day hunter/gatherer: bluegills, turtles, frogs, and carp. One is immediately impressed that Gibbons knows what he is talking about. He tells you what you need to do with the plant or animal, gives you a recipe or two for its preparation, and adds a bit of personal experience and folklore about the plant. He even gives you menus for wild-food feasts.
There is something of the primeval in the attraction of children to gathering their own food, even if is only raspberries growing beside a road. For a few, such as Gibbons, it becomes a lifelong passion. His strength as a writer is infectious enthusiasm. I usually find nature writers to be preachy and sanctimonious. Gibbons isn't. He seems impervious to the thought that he might be considered as crazy as a loon (not one of the animals he proposes for eating). He can say with a perfectly straight face, "Let's go nutting."
"Stalking the Wild Asparagus" has found a permanent place on my bookshelf and due recognition as a nature classic.
Smallchief
A Classic- Like a Thoreau, Will Rogers & Mark Twain BlendReview Date: 2005-05-12
This book is lyrical, yet practical and covers a sizeable array of wild foods- location, preparation, uses, etc. Recipes are given all through the book as well as some medicinal use info. One of Gibbons' favorite plants was the Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). He relates how the Dandelion has been one of humanities longest known and useful wild foods and medicines and laments the assault by lawn care chemical manufacturers in trying to demonize this beautiful, helpful gift from Nature.
Gibbons traveled the world lecturing on the benefits of wild foods and was often seen on popular talk shows along with becoming a pitch-man for Post Grape Nut Cereal commercials where he treated America to hilarious daily line: "...taste like wild hickory nuts!". Gibbon's came across like a modern-day cross between Mark Twain, Will Rogers and Henry David Thoreau.
Those familiar with Thoreau's recently published last manuscript, "Wild Fruits" will see the close resemblance to "Stalking the Wild Asparagus"- both now classics and useful guides to Nature's cornucopia of wild edible gifts.
Euell Gibbons is da man!Review Date: 2006-08-13
Stalking the Wild AsparagusReview Date: 2005-09-29

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Cowboy CocktailsReview Date: 2007-02-21
Fun and Handy!Review Date: 2007-01-09
Cowboy Coctails Rides High!!Review Date: 2005-10-25
GRADY SPEARS HAS DONE IT AGAIN!Review Date: 2000-06-11
The Reata Rita is the best margarita I have ever had! And I can't wait to try the Sonora Sangria! Grady has even selected listening music for each beverage. You might try the Texas Lemonade if you're a Pat Green fan!
This book is a must have for any hard-core drinker!
FUNNY......Review Date: 2001-07-21


Delightful book!Review Date: 1998-11-14
Great recipes and a bit of nostalgia!Review Date: 1998-04-04
Rain, rain go away so I can pick some dandelions today!Review Date: 1998-04-02
Beautiful...lyrical--fall under Joanne's spell!Review Date: 1998-11-21
Makes you love that unusual yellow flowerReview Date: 1998-12-09

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A must have book!Review Date: 2002-12-31
nice format with lots of misinformationReview Date: 2007-01-22
Amazing!Review Date: 2000-10-11
Fresh and FunReview Date: 2000-12-17
Even if you are not planning to run right out to the nearest shrub and harvest its leaves for dinner, I recommend this book. Mr. Henderson's prose is worth reading, whatever the content. His witty, humorous style enlivens a book full of excellent information.
Don't Know What to Do With That Weed? Eat It!Review Date: 2000-10-10
Mr. Henderson writes with humor and personal anecdotes which makes the book a good read even if you're not into foraging.

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Interesting IdeasReview Date: 2003-06-13
Wild about Wild on Park AvenueReview Date: 2002-06-18
A delicious read!Review Date: 2001-08-08
75 unique and delicious recipesReview Date: 2001-07-04
A Wonderful BookReview Date: 2001-06-20

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Eat Like A Wild Man - The Perfect Cook Book For a HunterReview Date: 2007-12-08
Wild Man's ThoughtsReview Date: 2005-03-31
Excellent compilation of fish and game recipesReview Date: 1999-10-04
Love the book and would give it 10 stars!Review Date: 2004-07-11
Historically the information on aging, traditions for cooking, meticulous instruction and illustrations provided made the book well worth the price.
There are recipes for venison, bear, boar, duck, goose, pheasant, quail, partridge, grouse, woodcock, dove, rabbit, perch, shellfish, squirrel, iguana, frog, crow, trout, pike, bass, turkey, salmon, swordfish, catfish, wild rice, dandelion, watercress and rosehips and wild and domesticated herbs means that there will be more than a little for the authentic hunter, cooker and feaster of wild game.
Along with Stalking the Wild Asparagus by Euell Gibbons also available thru Amazon.com, there is no reason someone like myself, living here in the Sierras of California should ever have an excuse for going hungry.
This is a book that will appeal to those interested in the history of food, self sufficiency, wild game, as well as a great gift for the man or woman in your life who has an adventuresome streak.
You can also subscribe to Sports Afield via Amazon.com as well.
Features unusual and highly recommended dishesReview Date: 2001-02-24

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Great recipes, easy to read, informative and deepReview Date: 2007-07-18
A very thorough book that explores local ingredients, explains when they were served, what you might find in your supermarket and then clearly describes how to prepare the dish.
I'm a recent transplant to Texas and have had my eyes opened to Mexican and Tex-Mex food. This book introduces Norteno cuisine that is found in many traditional border homes. I couldn't wait to try my hand at these recipes.
Also, if you're someone who likes to read cookbooks for enjoyment, you'll love this one.
Recipes from the Wild Horse DesertReview Date: 2006-12-11
Great Cookbook!Review Date: 2006-11-20
Outstanding, Authentic, and Beautifully doneReview Date: 2006-05-11

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Wild Yet Down to Earth!Review Date: 2006-07-06
There is much to like about Going Wild in the Kitchen, not least of which are the many glossaries, charts, and tables that provide all the information one will need in order to prepare the delicious and exciting vegetarian recipes contained in the book - and perhaps a few of your own culinary creations! One particularly handy table details cooking instructions for over eighteen different varieties of grains, including a few "ancient grains," several of which I've never heard of before. And then, of course, there are the recipes! Quinoa with Cauliflower and Feta, and Italian Lentil Stew with Creamy Grano are just two favorites. What's grano, you ask? No worries, it's all in the book!
"Going Wild in the Kitchen" is beautifully illustrated, however one will not find it includes any glossy photographs, yet surprisingly they are not missed. The author, who is an expert cooking instructor as well as a gourmet organic caterer, awakens the imagination by sharing her knowledge, experience, and passion in this superbly substantive vegetarian cookbook. Indeed, "Going Wild in the Kitchen" is bound to present more than a few welcome surprises for even the experienced chef.
In short, I love this cookbook!
Really tasty!Review Date: 2006-01-30
Wow!Review Date: 2005-09-16
Don't be shy if you aren't vegetarian it still has fabulous ideas for creating healthy meals and expanding your kitchen tool kit.
Great for food allergy sufferers as it has lots of grain variations available too.
Go wild!Review Date: 2005-10-31
I like the fact that the desserts are vegan and that she uses lots of berries, herbs, and unusual whole grains in a number of dishes. The layout is easy on the eye and graphics are fun. This will be a kitchen favorite of anyone who loves healthy, delicious foods, whether vegetarian or not. Buy it, you won't be sorry!

WONDERFUL--EXCEPTIONAL!Review Date: 2004-01-11
Copies may still be available from the publisher's museum bookstore. Check out www.birdstone.org.
Outstanding new edition! Fuller than ever!Review Date: 1999-07-22
Best WildFoods Trail Guide with illustrations!Review Date: 1999-07-22
Review CorrectionReview Date: 2004-12-14
Related Subjects: Insects Game
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Honestly though, I felt the book was a little long. It's not actually a long book, but its longer than it needs to be. It seemed to get a little repetitive as the author kept hammering the same points over again. Also, though the author does include an aside on vegetarianism and its merits (while discouraging veganism), he is not a vegetarian himself. While this is, of course, not the subject of the book I feel that if he is going to argue to protect the great apes on the grounds of their sentience, than it is wrong to overlook the sentience of cows, chickens, and especially pigs (who have the same mental capacity as a dog). This is just a minor criticism, but it did bother me a little throughout the book.
So yes, you should read this book. Its very thorough, detailed, complete, and compelling. You will learn a lot and, if the authors have succeeded (and I think they have), you will be sufficiently outraged and willing to contribute to the cause.