Spam: A Biography

by Carolyn Wyman

Book Overview

Over sixty years ago, when meat was bought from a butcher, Jay Hormel's idea for pork in a can was nothing short of revolutionary. How in the world (and why in the world) did he do it? In nine highly... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0156004771
• ISBN13: 9780156004770
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: Harvest Books
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.9" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

An Ode to Spam

Spam is a luncheon loaf loved by millions and despised by just as many. It's also a food staple that is a verified piece of Americana. I've never been a huge fan of spam neither have I been one of its detractors. After visiting the Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota I decided to learn a little more about this infamous concoction of pork and bought and read SPAM: A BIOGRAPHY Beginning with the origins of the Hormel food company and the eventual creation of Spam and continuing into the end of the twentieth century, SPAM: A BIOGRAPHY chronicles the life and times of America's "miracle meat". It's surprising how much history one famous product has. In addition to a chronology of Spam and its parent company, SPAM: A BIOGRAPHY also examines Spam's impact upon culture, both in America and abroad; from Monty Python to the Russian front in WWII to Hawaiian Spam huts, it's all examined here. Spread throughout the book are also a variety of recipes for creating Spam dishes, such as Spam cheesecake, Spam Spargot, and Spam bread. After reading SPAM: A BIOGRAPHY I'm still not really a fan of Spam, but I do have a better appreciation for the luncheon loaf. I'm no longer ashamed to admit that I kind of like the taste of Spam, but I still wouldn't want to eat it everyday. In reading the book, I also learned a lot of quirky trivia such as the connection between Hormel's Spam, Monty Python, and the naming of email junk mail as spam. Recommended for people who both like to read and are Spam fans. Trivia buffs might also enjoy it.

Carolyn Wyman Serves Up Sentiment, Porklore-- And More?

In this marvelously apropos sequel to "I'm A Spam Fan"-- her wonderfully readable round-up of household brand names-- Carolyn Wyman cooks up a campy collation of fun facts and festive factoids that delightfully delineates the enduring mystique of America's favorite mystery meat. We Love It!

A Spam-tastic addition to a food library!

SPAM luncheon meat has been good "eats" for over 60 years and this book nicely reviews its place in our culinary history. For a book full of both old and new ways to fix SPAM, a fan will also need Linda Egger's SPAM, The Cookbook.

Not (quite) as silly as you'd think.

Hidden beneath the barrage of silly spamaphenelia lies a story about the development of one of the most well known brands in America, and the world. This book offers interesting insight into one of the longest continually sold products in America.