Science (GCSE Higher Tier) (GCSE Grade A Secrets 2001) Book

The title of this book is somewhat misleading. The book is not necessarily about the art or science of eating bugs. Rather, it is a photograph rich travel diary that give the reader a detailed snapshot of the current (at the time the book was written anyway) attitudes and practices regarding entomophagy around the world.

Peter and Faith throw themselves into a plethora of situations centered on not only eating insects but also hunting for them and even farming them. In each case, they strive to look deeper, which often carries them to unexpected places such as an apartment based scorpion farm. With their beautiful photography, complementary narratives and occasional recipes they obtain from people they meet, they do an effective job of taking you along for the ride.

Often the book reminds the reader how much their diet is determined by where they grew up and what they have been told to eat by those around them. At times, the cultural context can be a bit grim, as during their visit to Irian Jaya, but I appreciate that they did not hide this. They presented an unobstructed view of the cultures they experienced.

Overall the book is a fun and mostly lighthearted adventure around the entomophagic world.