Milk: A 10,000-Year Food Fracas
Mark Kurlansky
2018
In this sweeping cultural history, Mark Kurlansky traces the story of milk across civilizations — from sacred food to industrial commodity. The book explores everything from wet nursing and human milk to dairy politics, formula marketing, and modern debates about health, culture, and ethics. With his signature blend of wit and scholarship, Kurlansky reveals just how political and personal milk really is.
Why It’s Included:
While not exclusively about breastfeeding, this book offers critical context for understanding how human milk — and its alternatives — have been shaped by economics, gender roles, colonialism, and industry. It aligns with our values by unpacking how infant feeding decisions are rarely made in isolation. A valuable resource for advocates who want to better understand the systems behind the choices.
Who It’s For:
Best for reflective readers, breastfeeding counsellors, and professionals interested in food history, lactivism, or cultural anthropology. Also a great crossover read for those new to infant feeding politics who enjoy big-picture social history.
“Milk as a commodity. Milk as a feminist issue. Milk as a product. ”
Further Reading:
The Politics of Breastfeeding – Gabrielle Palmer
Lactivism – Courtney Jung
Inventing Baby Food – Amy Bentley
