The Untold History of Ramen: How Political Crisis in Japan Spawned a Global Food Craze

The book arrived in perfect condition.

This is a great academic book that appeals to the lay person curious about ramen and Japanese food culture. It's very readable and (rare these days) extremely substantive, full of interesting anecdotes and historical research about the convoluted, cross-cultural romance that is Ramen. I first noticed George Solt's writing on ramen in the anthology "Japanese Foodways: Past & Present" edited by Eric C. Rath and Stephanie Assman (another good book). I was delighted that Solt's very interesting essay in there, "Ramen and US Occupation Policy", has since turned into a full-fledged book. What really makes this book enjoyable for an Asian reader and someone familiar with Japan is that Solt is absolutely spot-on in his critique of both Japanese and American attitudes towards each other's cultures and towards their own. He takes no sides, and points out the follies of each camp. Although ruthless, his criticism is always in good humor. He reminds me of another great, balanced writer of Japanese contemporary history, John Dower, whom he cites here as well. Lastly, what a beautiful cover for a university press paperback. Buy it.

A good read on the significance of ramen beyond a simple hunger filler.

Really great book very informative