About the book
An archaeological study of African American foodways in nineteenth-century Annapolis
In Eating in the Side Room, Mark Warner uses the archaeological data of food remains recovered from excavations in Annapolis, Maryland, and the Chesapeake to show how African Americans established identity in the face of pervasive racism and marginalization.
By studying the meat purchasing habits of two African American families—the Maynards and the Burgesses—Warner skillfully demonstrates that while African Americans were actively participating in a growing mass consumer society, their food choices subtly yet unequivocally separated them from white society. The “side rooms” where the two families ate their meals not only satisfied their hunger but also their need to maintain autonomy from an oppressive culture. As a result, Warner claims, the independence that African Americans practiced during this time helped prepare their children and grandchildren to overcome persistent challenges of white oppression.
Publication of the paperback edition made possible by a Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Editions of Eating in the Side Room
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780813061115
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780813080031
- EBook
- ISBN 9780813072708
- EBook
- ISBN 9780813055534
Read an Excerpt
An archaeological study of African American foodways in nineteenth-century Annapolis
In Eating in the Side Room, Mark Warner uses the archaeological data of food remains recovered from excavations in Annapolis, Maryland, and the Chesapeake to show how African Americans established identity in the face of pervasive racism and marginalization.
By studying the meat purchasing habits of two African American families—the Maynards and the Burgesses—Warner skillfully demonstrates that while African Americans were actively participating in a growing mass consumer society, their food choices subtly yet unequivocally separated them from white society. The “side rooms” where the two families ate their meals not only satisfied their hunger but also their need to maintain autonomy from an oppressive culture. As a result, Warner claims, the independence that African Americans practiced during this time helped prepare their children and grandchildren to overcome persistent challenges of white oppression.
Publication of the paperback edition made possible by a Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eating in the Side Room about?
An archaeological study of African American foodways in nineteenth-century Annapolis
In Eating in the Side Room, Mark Warner uses the archaeological data of food remains recovered from excavations in Annapolis, Maryland, and the Chesapeake to show how African Americans established identity in the face of pervasive racism and marginalization.
By studying the meat purchasing habits of two African American families—the Maynards and the Burgesses—Warner skillfully demonstrates that while African Americans were actively participating in a growing mass consumer society, their food choices subtly yet unequivocally separated them from white society. The “side rooms” where the two families ate their meals not only satisfied their hunger but also their need to maintain autonomy from an oppressive culture. As a result, Warner claims, the independence that African Americans practiced during this time helped prepare their children and grandchildren to overcome persistent challenges of white oppression.
Publication of the paperback edition made possible by a Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Eating in the Side Room?
History and Archaeology > Archaeology
Where can I read a sample of Eating in the Side Room?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780813061115
How long is Eating in the Side Room and how many pages does it have?
Eating in the Side Room has 200 page(s)
Is Eating in the Side Room part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Cultural Heritage Studies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Eating in the Side Room?
Mark S. Warner
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Eating in the Side Room is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780813061115) and paperback(ISBN 9780813080031) and ebook(ISBN 9780813072708) and ebook(ISBN 9780813055534)
Where can I buy Eating in the Side Room online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Eating in the Side Room from below
Where can I buy Eating in the Side Room?