This is one of the most intelligently-written books I've ever encountered. Bee Wilson does so many things just right, and avoids pitfalls that a less experienced but no less passionate writer would have stepped into. It was a impressive rumination on not just food history and all that entails, but on the history of technology and the usefulness of innovations.

The fascinating subject could have easily ballooned the page count. Gadgets and technology are endlessly talked about, especially in an age of overwhelming marketing and information. Ms. Wilson eschews the temptation to catalogue and memoirize her experience. Instead, she organizes it topically and focuses on communicating what she has learned.

But most of all, I appreciated Ms. Wilson's organization and efficiency. It belies lengthy and studious thought. And yet it still manages to be simple, pragmatic and inevitable. The stated conclusions came across to me not as arguments even, but more with the feeling of, "I can't believe I've never thought of it that way." Granted, I'm no food historian, but I've read enough in my life to discern when a writer is reaching for meaning. "Consider the Fork" effortlessly finds its niche without overstating or overwhelming with its immense context. It is content to say that cooking and eating are unavoidable and necessary human experiences. Then it boldly walks through how we have cooked and eaten, how it we presently cook and eat, and finally glimpses at how those activities may yet change.