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In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto Paperback – April 28, 2009

by Michael Pollan (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 4,123 ratings
Editors' pick Best Cookbooks, Food & Wine
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#1 New York Times Bestseller from the author of This is Your Mind on Plants, How to Change Your Mind, The Omnivore's Dilemma, and Food Rules

Food. There's plenty of it around, and we all love to eat it. So why should anyone need to defend it?

Because in the so-called Western diet, food has been replaced by nutrients, and common sense by confusion--most of what we’re consuming today is longer the product of nature but of food science. The result is what Michael Pollan calls the American Paradox: The more we worry about nutrition, the less healthy we see to become. With In Defense of Food, Pollan proposes a new (and very old) answer to the question of what we should eat that comes down to seven simple but liberating words: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Pollan’s bracing and eloquent manifesto shows us how we can start making thoughtful food choices that will enrich our lives, enlarge our sense of what it means to be healthy, and bring pleasure back to eating.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Penguin Books
  4. Publication date
    April 28, 2009
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.67 x 8.4 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0143114964
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0143114963
  8. Lexile measure
    1390L
  9. See all details
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Popular Highlights in this book
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Previous page
  1. DON’T EAT ANYTHING YOUR GREAT GRANDMOTHER WOULDN’T RECOGNIZE AS FOOD.
    Highlighted by 2,874 Kindle readers
  2. EAT MORE LIKE THE FRENCH. OR THE ITALIANS. OR THE JAPANESE. OR THE INDIANS. OR THE GREEKS.
    Highlighted by 2,088 Kindle readers
  3. Don’t eat anything incapable of rotting is another personal policy you might consider adopting.
    Highlighted by 1,568 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Michael Pollan [is the] designated repository for the nation's food conscience." —Frank Bruni, The New York Times

"In this slim, remarkable volume, Pollan builds a convincing case not only against that steak dinner but against the entire Western diet." —The Washington Post

"A tough, witty, cogent rebuttal to the proposition that food can be reduced to its nutritional components without the loss of something essential . . . [a] lively, invaluable book." —Janet Maslin, The New York Times

"What should I eat for dinner tonight? Here is Pollan's brilliant, succinct and nuanced answer to this question: 'Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.'" —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"In Defense of Food is written with Pollan's customary bite, ringing clarity and brilliance at connecting the dots." —The Seattle Times

"This is an important book, short but pithy, and, like the word 'food,' not simple at all." —New York Post

"With his lucid style and innovative research, Pollan deserves his reputation as one of the most respectable voices in the modern debate about food." —The Financial Times

About the Author

Michael Pollan is the author of eight books, including How to Change Your Mind, Cooked, Food Rules, In Defense of Food, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and The Botany of Desire, all of which were New York Times bestsellers. He is also the author of the audiobook Caffeine: How Coffee and Tea Made the Modern World. A longtime contributor to The New York Times Magazine, Pollan teaches writing at Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley. In 2010, Time magazine named him one of the one hundred most influential people in the world. 

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Books; 1st edition (April 28, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0143114964
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0143114963
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1390L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.67 x 8.4 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 4,123 ratings

About the author

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Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan

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Michael Pollan is the author of seven previous books, including Cooked, Food Rules, In Defense of Food, The Omnivore's Dilemma and The Botany of Desire, all of which were New York Times bestsellers. A longtime contributor to the New York Times Magazine, he also teaches writing at Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley. In 2010, TIME magazine named him one of the one hundred most influential people in the world.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
4,123 global ratings
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Top reviews from the United States

Ki
5.0 out of 5 stars Makes you think a bit more deeply about food sources
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2023
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Michael Pollan’s "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" is a compelling and eye-opening book that has significantly transformed the way I perceive food and nutrition. Pollan masterfully navigates the complex world of dietary science and cultural food habits, simplifying it into an enlightening and engaging narrative.

The book’s central thesis, encapsulated in the mantra “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants,” is both straightforward and profound. Pollan dissects the modern Western diet, challenging the efficacy of processed foods and the pitfalls of relying heavily on dietary supplements. His argument for returning to more traditional diets, rich in natural and whole foods, is backed by thorough research and presented in a manner that is both accessible and thought-provoking.

What I particularly appreciate about this book is its balanced approach. Pollan does not push for radical diet changes but instead advocates for a more mindful and informed approach to eating. His writing is not just informative but also encouraging, guiding readers to make better food choices without feeling overwhelmed.

The historical and cultural context provided throughout the book adds depth to his arguments, making it not just a dietary guide but a sociocultural exploration into our relationship with food. It’s a reminder of how our food choices impact not only our health but also the environment and society at large.

"In Defense of Food" is more than just a book; it’s a movement towards understanding and appreciating the joy and significance of eating. Pollan’s compelling narrative is sure to inspire anyone who wishes to rethink their eating habits and forge a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food.
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B. Case
5.0 out of 5 stars Omnivore's Dilemma Updated In A Quick, Focused, Factual Form
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2008
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I thought I'd discovered gold two years ago when I chanced upon Michael Pollan's " The Omnivore's Dilemma " on the new-book shelf at my local library. I'm a health nut, and what Pollan had to say between the covers of that book was exactly what I'd been looking for. The message blew me away. I started telling all my friends, colleagues, and family about how phenomenal and groundbreaking the book was, and encouraging them to read it. I even went so far as to buy five hardbound copies to give out and loan. But in the end I don't believe I really made any serious converts. Plenty of people wanted to listen! Telling my friends and acquaintances about the content of Pollan's book made me a big hit in social situations, but I honestly don't think many people took the time to read the book or, more importantly, to change their eating habits.

But Michael Pollan's book did convert me. Over the last two years, I have changed my eating habits--not as much as I hoped I would, but significantly nonetheless. The problem is, as I am sure anyone else knows who has also tried to follow his path: eating healthy in modern, urban America is extremely difficult.

"Omnivore's Dilemma" went on to become a nationwide bestseller. Thanks in part to the stir that book caused, and the many newspaper articles and television programs that followed, there has been a small but noticeable difference in the availability of healthier, more naturally produced vegetables, fruits, meats, and fish in the area where I live. Merchants now appear to be very conscious of the fact that many buyers are eager to know how and where each batch of produce was grown; whether fish is wild or farm-raised; and whether meats, dairy products, and eggs come from range-, grass- or grain-fed animals. In our area, the local farmers' markets are thriving, and the supermarkets...well, they don't seem to be doing so well anymore. Instead there are a number of small health food chains opening up that seem to be robbing the supermarkets of a large portion of their business. People are starting to "vote with their forks." They are saying they want better quality food, and slowly, their voice is being heard.

When I heard that Pollan had a new book out--"In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto,"--I jumped at the chance to be one of the first to buy it. It is a small book, easy and quick to read. I finished it in one enjoyable afternoon. Frankly, there is not much in this new book that wasn't already covered in "Omnivore's Dilemma." However, what this new book accomplishes that the previous book did not, is to present the basic concepts--about what is wrong with the modern Western diet and what we can do to eat in a more healthy manner--in a far more concise and readable form. Gone are the stories, the humor, the horror, the amusing dialogue, and the semitravelogue--all that was, for me at least, very delightful--but it also made the book perhaps too long and chatty for some, especially those just seeking a quick, focused, factual read. This book will most certainly appeal to a wider audience. It reads more like a practical manual for the general public.

I was hoping this new book might give me some further clues. It did that, but not as much as I had hoped. Nevertheless, I am happy that I purchased it, and read it. The most important thing it did for me was to reinforce all the lessons I'd learned from "Omnivore's Dilemma," and to present them to me with more justifications and updated scientific findings.

Hopefully, "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" will go on to become another national bestseller, and in the process continue to spread Pollan's healthy food revolution. A "Manifesto" sounds serious and political and Pollan speaks in the book about people "voting with their forks." It must be working, because many of the folks in my neighborhood appear to be voting with their forks, and the local farmers, ranchers, and grocery people are listening. There is a small revolution stirring and perhaps this book will help move it along.

I recommend this book highly to all who have not yet read "The Omnivore's Dilemma," and to those that have, I recommend this book as an inspirational updated refresher course.
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Kn2027
4.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2024
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Great book to think about what foods are truly important to you. Reccomend for those who are interested in this type of thing!
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Sue
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I have read!!!
Reviewed in Canada on August 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
A friend lent me this book. It is one of the best books I have read on this topic. It is very dense with information and describes the transition of food as we have known it over the years. I read it and then I had to order it to have my own copy so I can read it again!!!!
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Jocelyn Valdez Castro
5.0 out of 5 stars Valorar la nutrición básica
Reviewed in Mexico on November 11, 2021
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Me encanto este libro en el cual podemos valorar la nutrición básica, esa con la cual mucho crecimos y que de pronto se vio invadida por una gama de empresas de comida rápida que nos llevaron a el consumo barato y malo de los alimentos
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Client d'Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars very nice and informing
Reviewed in France on July 15, 2022
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Must read if you’re imterested about food and the whole world behind it. Based on research and history, this book should be on everyone’s list
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Laura
5.0 out of 5 stars Bello
Reviewed in Italy on May 1, 2019
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Con quest'opera di Pollan si va sul sicuro, scritto benissimo, utile ed interessante.
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Sam
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!
Reviewed in Australia on October 28, 2016
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This book is an astounding eye-opener! Pollan teaches you about not nutrition, but eating as an eater which is what we are born to be. Would definitely recommend to anyone not looking for a diet change but a way of living change.
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