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America Eats
Book by Algren, Nelson, Schoonover, David E.
- GenresFoodUnited States
123 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1992
56 people want to read
About the author
Nelson Algren
67 books293 followersPeople note American writer Nelson Algren for his novels, including
The Man with the Golden Arm
(1949), about the pride and longings of impoverished people.
Born of Swedish-immigrant parents, Nelson Ahlgren Abraham moved at an early age to Chicago. At University of Illinois, he studied journalism. His experiences as a migrant worker during the Depression provided the material for his first Somebody in Boots (1935). Throughout life, Algren identified with the underdog. From 1936 to 1940, the high-point of left-wing ideas on the literary scene of the United States, he served as editor of the project in Illinois. After putting the finishing touches to his second, he in 1942 joined and enlisted for the war. Never Come Morning received universal acclaim and eventually sold more than a million copies.
A dark naturalist style of Algren passionately records the details of trapped urban existence with flashes of melancholy poetry. He characterizes the lowlife drifters, whores, junkies, and barflies of row. He records the bravado of their colloquial language and lays their predicament bare.
Born of Swedish-immigrant parents, Nelson Ahlgren Abraham moved at an early age to Chicago. At University of Illinois, he studied journalism. His experiences as a migrant worker during the Depression provided the material for his first Somebody in Boots (1935). Throughout life, Algren identified with the underdog. From 1936 to 1940, the high-point of left-wing ideas on the literary scene of the United States, he served as editor of the project in Illinois. After putting the finishing touches to his second, he in 1942 joined and enlisted for the war. Never Come Morning received universal acclaim and eventually sold more than a million copies.
A dark naturalist style of Algren passionately records the details of trapped urban existence with flashes of melancholy poetry. He characterizes the lowlife drifters, whores, junkies, and barflies of row. He records the bravado of their colloquial language and lays their predicament bare.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 18, 2021
An interesting slice of Americana likely to be enjoyed primarily by historians who are also foodies.
Want to read
November 15, 2008One of Nelson Algren's lesser-known works--the result of his involvement in a WPA project documenting America food. Includes recipes!
June 12, 2013
very interesting
tells about food traditions across the country and how they came to be.
Part of the WPA program done in the 30's.
tells about food traditions across the country and how they came to be.
Part of the WPA program done in the 30's.
June 26, 2017
Book is about mid western customs and food; pictures were inserted of mostly Iowa people and events. Recipes are interesting.
September 10, 2016
Comprehensive listing of dishes eaten in the Midwest from the time Europeans settled here through the 1930's.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews