The Cultural Revolution Cookbook - Softcover

"The recipes are easy to execute . . . but beyond this, the authors' addition of contemporary history and cultural insights makes for a unique, entertaining and informative resource. A brilliant idea, beautifully implemented." --Henry Levine, former U.S. Consul General in Shanghai "A beautifully illustrated cookbook that documents the indomitable spirit of a people whose defining greeting is still 'Have you eaten yet?' Adorned with period posters and trivia that captures the absurdity of the time . . . the 80 homely recipes inspire with their simplicity and no-nonsense prose." Daven Wu, "TIME"" "The book's use of propaganda posters from the period links the recipes and the politics in a wonderfully entertaining way." Judith Shapiro, author, "Mao's War Against Nature"" "The book is by turns touching, funny and bemusing; the food triumphs over all." Christian Murck, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in China" "A scrumptious treat in every way. Peppered with delectable and little-known historical anecdotes, luscious food photography, and colorful, eye-pleasing Chinese socialist realist art, the book is a delight simply to flip through." Ted Plafker, author, "Doing Business in China"" "Gong and Seligman serve up both good food and history in an easily digestible format." John Frisbie, President of the U.S.-China Business Council" "This is a beautifully written book that you will savor both for its thoughtful reflections on history and its great recipes." John L. Holden, former President of The National Committee on U.S.-China Relations" ""The Cultural Revolution Cookbook" mixes amusing anecdotes, engaging stories and sumptuous recipes to bring to life revolutionary China's culinary history. The authors' unique expertise in Chinese history, society and culture make this cookbook entertaining, informative and indispensable for any kitchen." Chris Billing, former Bureau Chief for NBC News Beijing" "Seligman and Gong manage to bring forth from the bitter legacy of the Cultural Revolution a delightful book of recipes that serves up not just breakfast, lunch and dinner but also much food for thought." Curtis S. Chin, former U.S. Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank"

In 1969 Sasha Gong, like millions of other Chinese teenagers, was forced from her home in the city to live and work with peasants in the countrys ideas part of China's Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). The work was backbreaking, rations were tight, but one part of her "re-education" she remembers fondly is how to make simple, delicious country cooking. The Cultural Revolution Cookbook is a collection of delectable, healthy and easy-to-make Chinese recipes from the villages, interspersed with personal narrative and bits of historical context. With easy to find ingredients and easy techniques, anyone can prepare these authentic Chinese dishes.