The South Carolina BBQ Project: Signs, Symbols, and Stories from the Pit

by Nathan Spainhour

210 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2025

Reviews

[Hank Maddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

During my last semester of undergrad at UofSC, I took a BBQ class taught by Prof. Matt Simmons. That class had made me look at BBQ through a whole new lens, and inspired me to continue learning about the culture that surrounds it, the methods use to cook it, and the sense of belonging that it gives to so many people in the South. Being an SC native was a huge reason that I picked up this book, and boy am I glad that I did. I think that Spainhour has perfectly articulated all three of the things I mentioned above, and has given us an incredible visual and descriptive definition of what BBQ means in South Carolina. Cannot recommend this book enough.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This institution is indeed centered around the product of pulled pork, in the form of a sandwich or not. But it is also made up of family legacies, childhood memories, and socio-political rivalries.” | What a fun book! I sincerely enjoyed this book from cover-to-cover. The interconnectivity of foodways, South Carolina history, Southern culture, and the unique lens of visual design provided a wonderful backdrop of barbecue in the state. I think it could be argued this is the perfect summer read!