Barbecue

"Reed wants to preserve local barbecue traditions against the fancy-food chefs of national ambition. . . . In Barbecue, he has translated those traditions for 'home production.' Which means that he has written an actual cookbook, reckoning that its recipes will teach home cooks how to cook Southern barbecue, local traditions thus maintained. — Terry Eastland, The Weekly Standard

“Reed knows his topic . . . but he wears his erudition lightly. . . . Barbecue will provoke plenty of comment, and perhaps an argument or three. Just don’t read it on an empty stomach.” — Wilmington Star-News

“Reed is unapologetically opinionated, but his confidence is as sweet a match for his subject as peach cobbler.” — Hanna Raskin, Charleston Post and Courier

“A very good cookbook on Southern barbecue. . . The writing is so good, and with such good humor, you can simply read and enjoy this book without trying any of the recipes.” — San Francisco Book Review

“Reed . . . distills his knowledge, and most importantly, translates this traditionally semi-pro and large scale culinary endeavor for the home cook.” — Appetite for Books

“The diverse collection includes Texas barbecued goat, St. Louis pig snouts, and a deeper knowledge of the barbecue traditions across the country.” — Texas Monthly

“John’s recipe for a good cookbook is a combination of cultural history and classic recipes, liberally seasoned with his characteristically wry wit. . . . A terrific gift for folks who think they know everything about 'cue as well as those who need an introduction to N.C.’s most beloved and controversial foods.” — Taste 2017 Food Guide

“John Shelton Reed has distilled in this little cookbook the essence of his barbecue knowledge. If you want to cook the barbecue canon, you'll find in it excellent recipes for all barbecue’s greatest hits. If you want to learn about this great American food, this book offers enough facts, history, lore — and laughs — to satisfy your soul.” — Lolis Eric Elie, author of Smokestack Lightning: Adventures in the Heart of Barbecue Country

“John Shelton Reed does a bang-up job of explaining Southern barbecue’s provenance and essence. Offering a wealth of information and advice, Barbecue will serve as a nifty pocket guide and introduction to the subject — the perfect gift for any barbecue enthusiast. The man’s got voice; he’s witty and incisive and such a pleasure to read.” — Jim Auchmutey, co-author of The Ultimate Barbecue Sauce Cookbook

“Barbecue is splendid. So entertaining, it made me laugh out loud. A well-known barbecue expert, John Shelton Reed speaks from real knowledge, with real thoughtfulness. His concise and clear recipes offer practical approaches for the home cook, and the section on rubs, mops, and sauces is an absolute encyclopedia. Reed shows that barbecue habits are more of a cultural indicator than you might think.” — Bill Smith, author of Crabs and Oysters: A Savor the South Cookbook