Egg: A Dozen Ovatures

The egg is a paradox, symbolizing life and death, and has been used for thousands of years for its regenerative and fecund properties. Lizzie Stark explores its natural and cultural history, including its role in mythology, cuisine, and her personal experiences with cancer.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2024
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

The egg is a fascinating paradox, existing simultaneously as both alive and not alive. Its significance spans cultures and ages, making it a symbol as ancient as civilization itself. In this captivating exploration of its natural and cultural history, Lizzie Stark delves into the egg's profound meanings, diverse applications, and metabolic importance through a dozen captivating specimens.

From the vibrant lands of Mali to the picturesque landscapes of Finland, mythologies worldwide have endowed the egg with powers of regeneration and fecundity, often attributing the creation of the world to a cosmic egg. An oracle to the Romans, a coveted prize in the Gold Rush era, the foundation of the Clown Egg Registry, and even sent into space, the egg has assumed proportions larger than the ovum of an ostrich.

It has graced the tables of global cuisine, from the comforting Korean dish ttukbaegi gyeranjjim to the iconic soft-boiled egg. Stark weaves a captivating biography of French-born chef Jacques Pépin through his egg creations, interweaving her personal experiences, such as the quest for the perfect omelet and the art of pysanky, the Ukrainian technique of egg decoration. She also delves into her complex relationship with eggs due to a familial link to cancer, sharing her joy in becoming a mother.

Egg is a delightful and informative journey, filled with colorful characters and intriguing anecdotes. It will forever change your perspective on this delicate ovoid, ensuring you never take it for granted again.

Weight: 198g
Dimension: 139 x 209 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324074472