Popped Culture: A Social History of Popcorn in America

In this fascinating book, Andrew Smith, who teaches culinary history, investigates the flavorful myths surrounding popcorn s introduction, the reasons behind its unflagging popularity, & its ever-increasing success through a fortuitous association with new technologies, such as radio, movies, & microwaves. He provides a detailed history of popcorn, from Colonial settlers who were introduced to popcorn by American Indians, through boardwalk popping machines, to movie theater-popped corn & microwavable snacks, & includes popcorn products like Cracker Jack. There are even dozens of recipes. A well-documented & well-illustrated piece of work, taking a tiny kernel of culinary culture & broadening it to include the sweep of American history.