Pizza: A Global History

Originally a food for the poor in eighteenth-century Naples, pizza is a source of national and regional pride in Italy as well as of cultural identity. This title documents the history and cultural life of this chameleon-like food. Thin crust, Chicago deep-dish or Sicilian; there are countless ways to create the dish called pizza, and the debate over the best way to cook it never ends. Carol Helstosky documents the fascinating history and cultural life of this chameleon-like food in Pizza. Originally a food for the poor in eighteenth-century Naples, pizza is a source of national and regional pride in Italy as well as of cultural identity. In the twentieth century, pizza followed Italian immigrants to America, where it became the nation’s most popular dish and fuelled the rise of successful fast-food corporations such as Pizza Hut and Domino’s. Pizza has been adapted to local cuisines and has become a metaphor for cultural exchanges. From the world’s largest pizza, which was 37.4 metres (122 ft 8 in) in diameter, to the most expensive – sprinkled with edible 24-carat gold shavings – pizza is one of the world’s best-loved and most adaptable dishes. Pizza also features several tasty recipes and a wealth of illustrations. Whether you love sausage and onions on your pizza or just unadorned cheese, Pizza will satisfy even the pickiest of readers.