Vegetarianism is not a diet trend, or the flavor of the month. Instead, it is a philosophy and practice with roots in antiquity. Vegetarianism has existed for centuries in much of the world as a social movement and subculture. In the United States, this subculture has existed for more than 200 years. In this book, the Iacobbos bring this thriving subculture to life. By examining the community's businesses, organizations, events, scholarship, and influence on the arts, and interviewing vegetarians and vegans, the authors reveal for the reader a subculture whose members hold a variety of perspectives on everything from animal rights to advocacy, politics, and religion. Building upon their previous book, a history of vegetarianism, the Iacobbos delve into its current incarnations. They include information on the food industry, health studies on the benefits of vegetarians and vegan ways of eating, the popularity of vegetarianism, and the backlash against it. They highlight the work of vegetarian advocates and provide a glimpse of the stores, magazines, restaurants, and organizations that bring this subculture together. Finally, they include projections for the future from vegetarians, environmentalists, lawyers, nutritionists, economists, and experts in animal rights.

Continuing from their previous book on the history of vegetarianism, the Iacobbos delve into the practice's current incarnations, examining the food industry, health studies about the benefits of vegetarianism and veganism, the popularity of vegetarianism, and the backlash against it. They highlight the work of vegetarian advocates and include projections for the future from vegetarians, environmentalists, lawyers, nutritionists, economists and animal rights experts.
Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Continuing from their previous book on the history of vegetarianism, the Iacobbos delve into the practice's current incarnations, examining the food industry, health studies about the benefits of vegetarianism and veganism, the popularity of vegetarianism, and the backlash against it. They highlight the work of vegetarian advocates and include projections for the future from vegetarians, environmentalists, lawyers, nutritionists, economists and animal rights experts. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

This rare and valuable book looks at the full spectrum of vegetarians and provides a valuable insider's view of both the unity and diversity of the vegetarian community.Stewart Rose Vice President, Vegetarians of Washington

American vegetarianism has existed for more than 200 years and authors Karen and Michael Iacobbo weave its history with touching and terrifying testimonials that explain how people from all walks of life went veg. Shattering stereotypes, this book spotlights the various subcultures within the movement, from crunchy hippies to hardcore punks, pro-life compassionate conservatives to retired professionals....[t]his is a great book to give to a skeptical meat-eater or a new vegetarian or vegan who feels alone.VegNews

This is a quick read book, written by two talented journalists, is rich in the history of vegetarianism in America and tells of the amazing differences and preferences of vegetarians and vegans. The wonderful research done by the authors provides a valuable view of the vegetarian community as a whole, and provides some logical reasons why making healthy choices can be so important.Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

[A] great read giving America insight into an ancient diet with modern relevance.Easton's Public Library eNewsletter

Vegetarians and Vegans in America Today is a great read giving America insight into an ancient diet with modern relevance. The book embraces vegetarianism as a way of life that is deeply rooted in American culinary history and social activism while helping one understand the essence of a dietary movement that is beginning to define American culture and values.Ron Pickarski Founder and President of Eco-Cuisine Gold-Medal winning executive chef (International Culinary Olympics)

A society that adorns centuries-old practices like yoga and meditation with the label 'new age,' might not be expected to appreciate vegetarians and vegans. However, as Karen and Michael Iacobbo document with verve and rigor, there's way more of us out there than anyone ever imagined. In fact, I'd say the veggie lifestyle is ready for its close-up.Mickey Z. longtime vegan author of 50 American Revolutions You're Not Supposed to Know: Reclaiming American Patriotism

This book spotlights the rich history of vegetarianism in America and the incredible diversity of vegetarians and vegans. Most importantly, it puts a human face on the animal liberation movement. I highly recommend it.Vasu Murti author of They Shall Not Hurt or Destroy

This book is a treasure trove of the wide variety of views from vegetarians and the variety of aspects they have opinions on. This is a must-read for anyone who wants a comprehensive overview of the current state of thought and action.Rachel M. MacNair, Ph.D Director of the Institute for Integrated Social Analysis in Kansas City author of The Psychology of Peace: An Introduction and Perpetration-Induced Tramatic Stress

Continuing from their previous book on the history of vegetarianism, the Iacobbos delve into the practice's current incarnations, examining the food industry, health studies about the benefits of vegetarianism and veganism, the popularity of vegetarianism, and the backlash against it. They highlight the work of vegetarian advocates and include projections for the future from vegetarians, environmentalists, lawyers, nutritionists, economists and animal rights experts.SciTech Book News

Vegetarianism is not a diet trend, or the flavor of the month. Instead, it is a philosophy and practice with roots in antiquity. Vegetarianism has existed for centuries in much of the world as a social movement and subculture. In the United States, this subculture has existed for more than 200 years. In this book, the Iacobbos bring this thriving subculture to life. By examining its businesses, organizations, events, scholarship, and influence on the arts, and by interviewing dozens of vegetarians and vegans, the authors reveal a subculture whose members hold a variety of perspectives on everything from animal rights to advocacy, politics, and religion.

Reveals the vegetarian subculture and its relation to other movements and to the dominant culture.

KAREN IACOBBO is a journalist, researcher, and Adjunct Professor of Freshman Studies at Johnson &Wales University. She and Michael Iacobbo are the authors of Vegetarian America: A History (Praeger, 2004).MICHAEL IACOBBO is a journalist who has worked for the Associated Press, the Providence Phoenix, and other publications. He and Karen Iacobbo are the authors of Vegetarian America: A History (Praeger, 2004).

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Vegetarian World

Transformation

Food, Hospitality, and Business

Culture

Body and Soul

Spreading the Good News

Vegetarians in the World

Paradox

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Vegetarian Rights

Vegudice

Future of Vegetarianism in the United States

Brave New World

Hope Springs Eternal