Guess Who's Coming to Dinner examines where, when, why, by whom and under what circumstances specific types of food were prepared and consumed during feasting rituals in prehistoric Europe and the Near East. Such rituals allowed people to build and maintain their power and prestige and to maintain or contest the status quo. At the same time, they also contributed to the inner cohesion and sense of community of a group. When eating and drinking together, people share thoughts and beliefs and perceive the world and human relationships in a certain way.

The book is introduced by Ferran...