..". the specificity and breadth of this work] makes it unique.... lively reading... particularly recommended for academic collections with a strong focus in Russian history." Library Journal

..". a remarkable new collection of essays... The book reads like a literary hybrid of cookbook, historical treatise, and novella; its subject is, literally, the essence of life itself.... Glants and Toomre deserve further praise for the book s consistent, animated directness of style." The Boston Phoenix

This sparkling collection of thirteen original essays gives surprising insights into what foodways reveal about Russia s history and culture, from Kievan times to post Soviet Russia. Some of the chapters focus on historical topics while others consider images of food in literature and art."