Author Andrew Smith discusses his new book, chronicling 30 major events that helped shape contemporary American cuisine.

Eating History is a collection of essays – on topics ranging from Cracker Jacks to Rodale’s organic gardening – intended to shed light on how the modern American diet became what it is today.

With a cast of characters that includes bold inventors, savvy restaurateurs, ruthless advertisers, mad scientists, adventurous entrepreneurs, celebrity chefs, and relentless health nuts, Eating History explains in delicious detail how the eating habits of Americans have changed since the days when most Americans grew and consumed their own food.

Smith teaches food studies at the New School University in New York City. He has published more than 300 articles on food and food history and has authored or edited 17 books, including the Oxford Encyclopedia on Food and Drink in America. He appeared previously at the Kansas City Public Library to discuss Hamburger: A Global History.