Title: Vegetarianism : a history /
Authors: Spencer, Colin.; Spencer, Colin.; Spencer, Colin, 1933-
Publisher: Four Walls Eight Windows,
Year: 2002
Subjects: Vegetarianism History.
Abstract: "Colin Spencer's Vegetarianism provides an in-depth look at meat abstention throughout the ages. Spanning the millennia, he discusses those who came to vegetarianism by choice, not necessity. He profiles vegetarian movements, such as Hinduism and Seventh Day Adventism. He looks at the different practices and philosophies underlying vegetarianism as well as a few of the prominent vegetarian advocates, including Pythagoras, Leonardo da Vinci, Gandhi, and Adolf Hitler." "No longer a fringe movement in the United States, vegetarianism currently claims 2.5 million Americans. Whether seeking a closer relationship with God, avoiding animal cruelty, or seeking to protect their own health and the environment, vegetarians are highly regarded and given unquestionable compassion in Spencer's sweeping history."--Jacket.
Contents: 1. In the beginning : The decisive primate ; The aquatic ape? ; Toolmakers and gatherers ; Migration ; The emergence of humans ; Gathering food ; Taming the environment ; Surplus food ; Altars and gardens -- 2. Pythagoras and his inheritance : Meat in Homer ; The life of Pythagoras ; The teaching ; Beans ; The school at Croton ; Stories ; Religious practice ; The Orphic religion ; Egypt ; Zoroaster ; The Pythagorean enigma ; Empedocles ; The Pythagoreans ; Aristoxenus ; The heritage of Pythagoras -- 3. India : The Indus valley ; The Aryan invasion ; Hinduism ; Buddhism ; Jainism ; Asoka -- 4. Plato to Porphyry : Plato at table ; Greek food ; Aristotle ; The Stoics ; Rome; Plutarch ; The Neoplatonists ; Porphyry -- 5. Early Christianity : St. Paul's gospel ; The Essenes ; The dietary laws ; Christian expansion ; Asceticism; Meat and milk ; The quail plague ; Clean or unclean --^