This essential volume examines the foundations of cuisine, starting with its earliest sources. Tracing every element of the produce, implements, and skills involved in food preparation, it asks such timely questions as: is the choice of raw food an act of cooking, or does cooking begin when specific tools are used to adapt it? Can food be considered cooked when eaten in its raw state? Packed with intriguing text and illuminating elBullifoundation diagrams and images, it s a must-have for every cook s library.