This book should not and can not be read in the same manner as a novel. One has to pick a section or a subject and dwell on it as one would on a fine meal; but Kamp gives us plenty of food for thought.

The history seems to start with the big three - James Beard, Julia Child and Craig Claiborne - and takes us up to Emeril Lagasse and Rachel Ray. Even though Kamp does not seem to approve of the Food Network, he agrees it does provide an outlet for people to talk about the thing they love, food.

The book is so arranged that one can easily pick a particular topic and read that portion. The book does not necessarily need to be read from front to back. Whatever way you read the book, you will find amusing and entertaining information about gourmet food and its preparation.