
Basically, history seen through a domestic lens. It's interesting to know what was on the menu 150 years ago, and I like that the author did a lot of research into what were then common foods, but nowadays have practically vanished. I now know more about oysters than I ever wanted to know. Bits of Twain's life are highlighted as well. Additionally, there are a number of historical recipes.
With the exception of the oyster chapter (I don't care much about seafood in the first place), which was too long, the book is a great read. It is based on an extensive list of foods Twain liked, researching some, to find out what has become of them, e.g. prairie chicken, or how to prepare raccoon.
With the exception of the oyster chapter (I don't care much about seafood in the first place), which was too long, the book is a great read. It is based on an extensive list of foods Twain liked, researching some, to find out what has become of them, e.g. prairie chicken, or how to prepare raccoon.