This book is a comprehensive history of food and explores how eating has shaped human civilization from early human societies to the future.

Jacques Attali examines food not simply as a means of sustaining life, but as a force deeply connected with politics, economics, culture, industry, sexuality, philosophy, the environment, and art.

The book traces the development of human food culture from early nomadic ways of life and the domestication of nature to the rise of European food culture, French cuisine, haute cuisine, luxury hotels, processed foods, and the modern food industry.

It also explores how food has been used as a tool of diplomacy and political strategy, including the role of cuisine in the courts of European monarchs such as Louis XIV.

The book examines how nutrition science influenced the American food industry and national strategy, including the development of cornflakes and fast food, which were partly developed with the goal of promoting efficient work.

Attali considers food from both everyday and global perspectives, discussing what wealthy and impoverished people eat, the causes of world hunger, and the relationship between food and social inequality.

Looking toward the future, the book considers what humanity might eat in an increasingly technological society, including the future of insect-based food and the role of robots in a highly automated society.

It also examines changing patterns of eating, including individualized meals and the growing importance of personal food choices.

The book concludes with a section explaining the scientific fundamentals of food and nutrition, providing essential background knowledge for understanding food, nutrition, and their relationship to human life and health.

★Please Note: This is an English-language description of a Japanese edition. The book discusses future food scenarios and population trends based on the author's analysis and projections.