What's Cooking in the Kremlin
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What's Cooking in the Kremlin
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What's Cooking in the Kremlin
"First published in Poland as Rosja od kuchni: Jak zbudowa�c imperium no�zem, chochl�a i widelcem by Grupa Wydawnicza Foksal, Warsaw"--Copyright page.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionWhat's Cooking in the Kremlin by Witold Szablowski is an engaging and culinary-driven excavation of Russia's tumultuous history through the lens of its leaders' kitchens. This compelling narrative embarks on a journey across a century of Russian politics, culture, and power, as told through the intriguing tales of those who have cooked for its leaders. Szablowski's exploration unveils the intimate and untold stories from within the walls of the Kremlin, offering rare insights into the psyches of the men who shaped Russia’s political landscape. Throughout his journey, he breaks bread with the chefs who have witnessed history's turning points from behind the kitchen doors and vividly recounts these uniquely flavoured anecdotes.
This unique work is an intoxicating blend of historical investigation and culinary curiosity, reminiscent of the bold, immersive storytelling of Anthony Bourdain and Hunter S. Thompson. Szablowski delves into the menus that adorned the tables from Tsar Nicholas II to Vladimir Putin, painting a rich tapestry of political intrigue seasoned with a dash of culinary wit. He reveals the bizarre and authentic details of historical figures' relationships with food—Lenin's favoured meals, Stalin’s disturbing practice of employing a food tester during the Great Famine, and the curious culinary preferences of Brezhnev and other Soviet leaders.
The book ventures over a landscape dotted with historical landmarks: Stalin's Georgia, Afghan warfronts, the haunting ghost towns of Chornobyl, and even the embattled environments of Mariupol. In these settings, Szablowski gains unprecedented access, often to places closed to outsiders, shedding light on how the manipulation of food plays a role in Russia's military and political strategies.
What's Cooking in the Kremlin is more than a history book; it is an oral history enriched with recipes and photos, capturing the evolution of Russia's culinary identity—from the austere to the opulent, from famine to festive feasting. It encapsulates the role of food as a potent non-verbal dialogue of power and conveys how this nation’s leaders have used culinary art not only to dictate global standing but as a continued weapon of cultural and political warfare.
Praise for the book includes acclaim from numerous literary critics, including an Editors' Choice designation by The New York Times. Renowned author Daniel Stone heralds it as a "riveting" journey through time, marked by laughter, astonishment, and enlightening stories. Szablowski's literary skill lies not just in capturing the essence of Russian gastronomy but also in unravelling the complex narrative of a nation where food has been a constant player in the power games of its rulers.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
What's Cooking in the Kremlin by Witold Szablowski is praised for its captivating and poignant exploration of Russian history through the lens of cuisine. Reviewers highlight the book's engaging oral histories, detailing how cooks navigated political upheavals with creativity and care. With its mix of recipes and vivid stories from Russia’s tumultuous past, it offers a unique and revealing perspective on how food has impacted Russian society and governance.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780143137184
Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 07 November 2023
Country: United States
Imprint: Penguin USA
Contributors:
- Translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 22.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 255g
Pages: 384
About the Author
Witold Szabłowski is an award-winning Polish journalist and the author of How to Feed a Dictator (“an outright pleasure to read” —Bill Buford) and the New York Times Editors’ Choice Dancing Bears (“mix[es] bold journalism with bolder allegories” —Timothy Snyder). When he was twenty-four he had a stint as a chef in Copenhagen, and at age twenty-five he became the youngest reporter at one of Poland’s largest daily newspapers, where he won awards for his features on the issue of immigrants flocking to the EU and the 1943 massacre of Poles in Ukraine. He lives in Warsaw.
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