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A Greedy Man in a Hungry World
- How (almost) everything you thought you knew about food is wrong
- Narrated by: Jay Rayner
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
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A Greedy Man in a Hungry World
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Summary
The UK’s most influential food and drink journalist shoots a few sacred cows of food culture.
The doctrine of local food is dead. Farmers’ markets are merely a lifestyle choice for the affluent middle classes. And ‘organic’ has become little more than a marketing label that is way past its sell by date. That may be a little hard to swallow for the ethically-aware food shopper but it doesn’t make it any less true. And now the UK’s most outspoken and entertaining food writer is ready to explain why.
This engaging, witty and honest narrative is driven by the appetite of one large man: Jay Rayner – someone who lives to eat, but also understands that there is a world beyond the high-end obsessions of the farmers’ market. Combining sharply-observed memoir – growing up with the UK’s most famous agony aunt who also happened to be a bloody good TV chef; witnessing the arrival of McDonald’s and Dayville’s ice cream in Seventies London; working as a butcher’s boy – with hard-nosed reportage, Jay Rayner will blow conventional foodie wisdom apart. For here is the reality: within a few decades we will have nine billion mouths to feed, and we won’t be doing that by flogging free-range chickens from a stall in Borough market.
Jay explains why the doctrine of organic has been eclipsed by the need for sustainable intensification; and why the future lies in large-scale food production rather than the cottage industries that foodies often cheer for. From the the cornfields of Illinois to the killing lines of Yorkshire abattoirs, Rayner takes us on a journey that will change the way we shop, cook and eat forever. And give us a few belly laughs along the way.
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Critic reviews
‘If you want to eat clever in the 21st Century read Jay Rayner’s joyful book. The rules of lunch just changed’ Caitlin Moran, author of ‘How To Be a Woman’
‘“Muddled thinking” and numpty moralising about food are major annoyances of the foodie age. Rayner skewers them deftly, as a man who knows his cutlery can’ Observer
‘Jay Rayner is always thinking about his next meal so in his new book he examines the economics of food to forecast how we will feed ourselves in the future and what exactly will, or possibly won’t, be served on our dinner plates. It’s part-memoir, part reportage and never preachy. He serves up much food for thought’ Daily Express
‘Challenging the organic movement, locavores, and the food miles, he serially slaughters the sacred cows of the liberal foodists. Easy to read – uncomfortable to accept’ Financial Times
‘Rayner’s latest [challenges] the organic movement, locavores, food miles and seemingly every other sacred cow of the modern food world. Easy to read, even when uncomfortable to accept’ Financial Times
‘Funny and thought-provoking, Rayner – a self-confessed glutton – questions preconceptions about food issues. Supermarkets versus farmers’ markets, the GM debate, food miles, seasonality, food poverty and the madness of the Western diet are all examined with a refreshing honesty, and a desire to see both sides of the argument’ BBC Good Food
What listeners say about A Greedy Man in a Hungry World
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Suzi
- 19-12-23
Superbly witty
An incredibly interesting book narrated in his inimitable style. I’ve bought all his books since reading my first!
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- Davina Campbell
- 10-09-24
Interesting and thought provoking
His enthusiasm and knowledge was evident and infectious. The effect that our food has on people and most people wouldn’t know.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- N. Waugh
- 10-12-14
The Truth About Foodies
Would you consider the audio edition of A Greedy Man in a Hungry World to be better than the print version?
Never read the print version but as it is read by Jay Rayner he talks about his life with passion and interest
What was one of the most memorable moments of A Greedy Man in a Hungry World?
His Mum the late Claire Rayner receiving a large wooden gentleman's member through the post! Hilarious I spat my drink out in laughter.
What does Jay Rayner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
As it is part biography, part investigation into viable food, I don't think anyone else could have narrated it better.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Wooden Cock'oleaky Soup.
Any additional comments?
If you are a foodie and prepared to hear the truth about sustainable foods, gm crops, food mile and organic food, then buy this book!
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- JS
- 23-10-18
An interesting and thought provoking read.
So pleased that the author narrated his own work. It made it more personal. It has also changed my perspective about food on how and what we eat.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Norma Miles
- 28-10-24
"Sometimes gluttony is a virtue."
Part autobiography of the food critic, Jay Rayner, (who also narrates), and part look at the present distribution and sustainability of food resources around the world. Although already a decade old, the issues raised are still as, or more, pertinent than ever. Rayner has obviously researched some areas, others are direct observation or speculation but the whole is a fascinating view of the current and possible future times to come as a growing world population faces that ever present question - how to feed us all?
Nicely written and a fascinating read: highly recommended
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- Amazon Customer
- 30-08-20
Great book
Entertaining and educational. still relevant 8 years later and worth the listen. Jay Rayner is a brilliant writer.
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- K. N. Gibson
- 04-09-21
really interesting and engaging
this book really made me think whilst also being enjoyable to listen to. recommended reading for anyone interested in the food cycle and our environment.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Edwin
- 21-07-15
A great listen
An interesting insight into the food industry. Well argued, entertaining, and brilliantly narrated. If you have any interest in food and where it comes from, this is an essential listen, even if you disagree, its food for thought (pun intended).
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3 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 03-01-21
Insightful, accessible & witty
Jay Rayner is a well travelled and well informed man when it comes to flavour, sustainability and food manufacturing/processing!
He talks through about a range of issues in the food industry without becoming too idealistic - acknowledging that there must be a balance between ethics/sustainability and economics.
His writing and reading styles are as accessible and witty as they are informative!
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who cares about the links between food, climate change and socio-economics.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Andrea Valencia
- 12-03-15
Well written
Very well written and interesting book. Makes you think a lot! Talks about global food sustainability, the planet, organic world, environment etc.
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2 people found this helpful