SPAM

Kelly A. Spring

ISBN 10: 1836390661 / ISBN 13: 9781836390664

Published by Reaktion Books, GB, 2025

About this Item

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a conflict that solidified SPAM's place in global food culture. Created by Hormel Foods in 1937 to utilize surplus pork shoulder during the Great Depression, SPAM became an essential resource during the Second World War, and helped shape perceptions of American culture. This book explores SPAM's complex history, from its inception to its resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its enduring legacy in places like Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, Okinawa and South Korea. It demonstrates how SPAM, a long-lasting and valuable protein, played a crucial role during wartime and continues to influence dietary practices worldwide.

Seller Inventory # LU-9781836390664

Bibliographic Details

• Title: SPAM
• Publisher: Reaktion Books, GB
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1836390661
• ISBN 13: 9781836390664
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

A cultural history of the celebrated (and derided) canned protein.
 
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a conflict that solidified SPAM’s place in global food culture. Created by Hormel Foods in 1937 to utilize surplus pork during the Great Depression, SPAM became an essential resource (and marker of American food culture) during the war. This book explores SPAM’s complex history, highlighting its enduring legacy in places like Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, Okinawa, and South Korea. Kelly A. Spring demonstrates how the enduring proteins in SPAM played a crucial role during wartime and continues to influence global diets.

About the Author

Kelly A. Spring is a food historian, owner of The Fork Front, and convenor of the IHR Food History Seminar. She is based in Washington, DC.