While the word “vegetarian” wasn’t coined until the 1840s, the modern vegetarian movement came out of 17th-century England as a result of the adoption of cultures between England and India. Some of history’s most well known figures were vegetarians, from Benjamin Franklin and Mahatma Gandhi to Adolf Hitler -- and whether for socio-political, religious or health reasons, the movement is alive and well today.
Tristram Stuart is the author of a comprehensive book called, The Bloodless Revolution: A Cultural History of Vegetarianism from 1600 to Modern Times. He shares some of his research, including the debate about whether or not humans are herbivores or carnivores; the cultural clashes that impacted vegetarianism; and history’s notable vegetarians… He even addresses how he is still a meat eater.
Not ready to give up meat completely? Here are a few resources about where to find grass-fed and free-range meats:
Wise Food Ways
Eatwild
Tristram Stuart graduated from Cambridge University in 1999, having won numerous academic prizes. Since then he has been a freelance writer for a number of Indian newspapers. The Bloodless Revolution is his first book. He lives in London.
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