STRANGE FOODS: BUSH MEAT, BATS, AND BUTTERFLIES. AN EPICUREAN ADVENTURE AROUND THE WORLD.

1999 1st edition. Large square 4to (235 x 248mm). Ppxii,232. Colour photographs by Michael Freeman, bibliography, pictorial endpapers. Pictorial boards.

"What is repulsive in one part of the world, in another is simply lunch". A truly fascinating read, packed with often very odd pictures and information which will be more or less entirely new to most readers. Much more than the trevlogue the book's blurb claims it to be, this is a work with serious intent which will broaden the outlook of any keen cook orgastronome. This book also provides a huge amount of background information for anyone interested in conservation problems arising out of the over-exploitation of many of the species discussed. Includes recipes and addresses of suppliers (for legal ingredients, at least). Sections and chapters include; 1. mammals: - dogs and cats; horse; rat and mouse; bats; primates and other bush meat; bison, water buffalo, and yak; whale; guts; ears, eyes, noses, lungs, tongues, lips, gums, glands, and feet; genitalia; urine; human flesh. 2. reptiles and water creatures: - snake; lizards; alligator and crocodile; frog and toad; shark; fugu; jellyfish; snails and slugs; worms; fish eggs. 3. Birds: - ostrich and emu;song birds, pigeons, and doves; birds' nest; balut. 4. Insects, spiders, and scorpions: - grasshoppers; ants and termites, spiders and scorpions; beetles; crickets and cicadas; butterflies and moths; flies. 5. Plants: - poisonous plants; flowers; cactus; durian. 5. Leftovers: - blood; live and almost live; fermented food; fake food; gold, silver, and pearls; dirt (i.e. soil).