content: I have interests in cooking and history. This book covers both and in an excellent way. The author's writing style is engaging and entertaining. I felt drawn into the book immediately and have a hard time putting it down. Ms. Coe's insights are funny and the amount of detail presented feels just right. She covers first the foodstuffs unique to the Americas then dives into the specifics for the Aztecs, the Maya, and the Inca. She discusses both pre-European contact and post-European contact cuisines and cultures.It isn't really a recipe book but her descriptions of the food gave me many ideas on how to prepare some of the dishes listed. It is truly a culinary anthropology book but don't let that put you off; it is easy and worthwhile even for us lay-folk. I also have a copy of her book on chocolate and am looking forward to reading that when this one is done.I recommend it if you have any interest in cooking, history, the Americas, or any of the cultures listed.