Vegetarians and Vegans in America Today

Vegetarianism is not a diet trend, or the flavor of the month. Instead, it is a philosophy and practice with roots in antiquity. Vegetarianism has existed for centuries in much of the world as a social movement and subculture. In the United States, this subculture has existed for more than 200 years. In this book, the Iacobbos bring this thriving subculture to life. By examining its businesses, organizations, events, scholarship, and influence on the arts, and by interviewing dozens of vegetarians and vegans, the authors reveal a subculture whose members hold a variety of perspectives on everything from animal rights to advocacy, politics, and religion.Building upon their previous book, a history of vegetarianism, the Iacobbos delve into its current incarnations. They include information on the food industry, health studies on the benefits of vegetarians and vegan ways of eating, the popularity of vegetarianism, and the backlash against it. They highlight the work of vegetarian advocates and provide a glimpse of the stores, magazines, restaurants, and organizations that bring this subculture together. Finally, they include projections for the future from vegetarians, environmentalists, lawyers, nutritionists, economists, and experts in animal rights.

"Karen Iacobbo (Johnson & Wales Univ., RI) and journalist Michael Iacobbo have prepared a polemic promoting vegetarian/vegan subcultures, lifestyles, and philosophy, primarily through their many informants. They discuss motivation for and benefits of becoming vegetarian/vegan, tenets of vegetarian/vegan philosophy, characteristics of the subculture, and future problems, noting relevant books, films, and Web sites....General readers." - Choice, "American vegetarianism has existed for more than 200 years and authors Karen and Michael Iacobbo weave its history with touching and terrifying testimonials that explain how people from all walks of life went veg. Shattering stereotypes, this book spotlights the various subcultures within the movement, from crunchy hippies to hardcore punks, pro-life compassionate conservatives to retired professionals....[t]his is a great book to give to a skeptical meat-eater or a new vegetarian or vegan who feels alone." - VegNews, "[A] great read giving America insight into an ancient diet with modern relevance." - Easton's Public Library eNewsletter, "Continuing from their previous book on the history of vegetarianism, the Iacobbos delve into the practice's current incarnations, examining the food industry, health studies about the benefits of vegetarianism and veganism, the popularity of vegetarianism, and the backlash against it. They highlight the work of vegetarian advocates and include projections for the future from vegetarians, environmentalists, lawyers, nutritionists, economists and animal rights experts." - SciTech Book News, "This is a quick read book, written by two talented journalists, is rich in the history of vegetarianism in America and tells of the amazing differences and preferences of vegetarians and vegans. The wonderful research done by the authors provides a valuable view of the vegetarian community as a whole, and provides some logical reasons why making healthy choices can be so important." - Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

Karen Iacobbo is a journalist, researcher, and Adjunct Professor of Freshman Studies at Johnson & Wales University. She and Michael Iacobbo are the authors of Vegetarian America: A History (Praeger, 2004).Michael Iacobbo is a journalist who has worked for the Associated Press, the Providence Phoenix, and other publications. He and Karen Iacobbo are the authors of Vegetarian America: A History (Praeger, 2004).