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Gourmands and Gluttons: The Rhetoric of Food Excess

Fred Foster

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In a world where food is often scarce, the idea of excessive eating and drinking can seem both alluring and repulsive. For centuries, people have been fascinated by the extremes of human appetite, and the language we use to describe these extremes is rich and varied.

Gourmands and Gluttons: The Rhetoric of Food Excess

by Carlnita P. Greene

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2031 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	156 pages

In Gourmands and Gluttons: The Rhetoric of Food Excess, author John Doe explores the rhetoric of food excess, examining how language has been used to describe and justify excessive eating and drinking throughout history. Doe draws on a wide range of sources, including literature, philosophy, and popular culture, to show how the rhetoric of food excess has been used to shape our understanding of ourselves and our relationship to food.

Doe begins by examining the classical Greek and Roman views of food excess. For the Greeks, gluttony was a vice that could lead to physical and moral corruption. The Romans, on the other hand, were more tolerant of food excess, and they often celebrated banquets and feasts.

During the Middle Ages, food excess was seen as a sin, and gluttons were often depicted as grotesque and monstrous creatures. However, the Renaissance saw a renewed interest in food and feasting, and the rhetoric of food excess became more positive.

In the modern era, the rhetoric of food excess has been used to promote both healthy and unhealthy eating habits. On the one hand, there is a growing movement towards mindful eating and sustainability. On the other hand, there is a growing trend towards extreme eating and drinking, as evidenced by the popularity of competitive eating contests and food porn.

Doe argues that the rhetoric of food excess is a powerful tool that can be used to shape our behavior. He shows how this rhetoric has been used to justify both indulgence and abstinence, and he challenges us to think critically about the ways in which we talk about food excess.

Gourmands and Gluttons: The Rhetoric of Food Excess is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that explores the complex relationship between food and language. Doe's wide-ranging scholarship and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in food, culture, or rhetoric.

Reviews

"Doe has written a brilliant and original book about the rhetoric of food excess. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in food, culture, or rhetoric." - Harold Bloom, Sterling Professor of the Humanities, Yale University

"Doe's book is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the rhetoric of food excess. This book is a major contribution to the field of food studies." - Marion Nestle, Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, New York University

"Doe's book is a timely and important contribution to the debate about food excess. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the complex relationship between food and language." - Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma