Eating to Excess: Gluttony and the Fat Body in the Ancient World
Body World: Eating to Excess examines how ancient Western cultures understood gluttony and fatness, and how those ideas relate to modern assumptions. Its chapters span Greek thought and medicine, Greek and Roman popular culture, early Christianity, and the emergence of gluttony as a deadly sin.
At a glance
- Explores the distinction ancient Western cultures made between being fat and being gluttonous.
- Covers Greek philosophy, medicine and physiognomy, Greek and Roman popular culture, and early Christianity.
- Discusses the historical development of gluttony as one of the seven deadly sins.
Reference price: $58.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- The book brings together ancient cultural, philosophical, medical and religious perspectives on gluttony and fatness.
- Its subject connects historical ideas with present-day assumptions, as described in the listing.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Praeger |
|---|---|
| Publication date | September 12, 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 196 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0313385068 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0313385063 |
| Weight listed | 1.04 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.14 x 0.5 x 9.21 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of ancient history and classical culture interested in how societies interpreted eating, fatness and self-control.
- Readers studying early Christianity or the historical development of the seven deadly sins.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a practical diet or nutrition guide rather than historical and cultural analysis.
Customer reviews on Amazon
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The available aggregate rating evidence is limited, with only a few ratings and a distribution concentrated in the middle and highest star categories. That gives little basis for predicting how a particular reader will respond. Consider the stated historical scope and subject matter when deciding whether it fits your interests.
Frequently asked questions
What topics does Eating to Excess cover?
It examines ancient Western ideas about gluttony and fatness, including Greek philosophy, medicine and physiognomy, Greek and Roman popular culture, early Christianity, and gluttony as a deadly sin.
Does the book distinguish fatness from gluttony?
Yes. The listing says ancient people distinguished being fat from being a glutton, even while valuing self-control and criticizing excess.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 196 pages.
