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Talks & Lectures
TUE · MAY 12 · 6:30 PM
05·12

Mark A Johnson: American Bacon

ft. Mark A Johnson

Boswell Book Company· 2559 N Downer Ave
0+ · RSVP Required
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Discover how bacon became a cultural icon with author Mark A Johnson.

Part I

The details

About this event

Join Mark A Johnson at Boswell Book Company for an engaging discussion about his latest book, "American Bacon." Johnson delves into the fascinating history of bacon, exploring its transformation from a basic food item to a cultural phenomenon. His insights connect bacon to broader themes in American history, such as migration and globalization.

This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from a local author who combines historical research with cultural analysis. Whether you're a history buff or a bacon enthusiast, Johnson's talk promises to provide a fresh perspective on a familiar food. Don't miss the chance to learn about the surprising journey of bacon through the ages.

From the organizer

Boswell hosts an evening with Milwaukee native Mark A Johnson, author of American Bacon, a book in which he considers a seemingly simple question: How has bacon overcome centuries of religious prohibition, cultural contempt, and dietary advice to become a twenty-first-century culinary and cultural powerhouse? Johnson traces the story of bacon from early modern Britain through the colonial era, Civil War, Progressive Era, modern fad diets, and the emerging craft bacon industry. Along the way, he provides a new perspective on some familiar American narratives. Johnson's cultural history connects bacon to race, class, and gender while illuminating major historical forces, such as migration, warfare, urbanization and suburbanization, reform movements, cultural trends, and globalization. For Johnson, bacon's story from "most dangerous food in the supermarket" to pop culture and gastronomic phenomenon reflects the cultural values of a nation.

Getting in

  • RSVP Required

  • Registration required — must sign up

Pricing details

RSVP required to secure a spot.

Pro tips

  • First-timers

    Arrive 15 minutes early to grab a good seat and explore the store's unique selection of books before the event starts. Boswell Book Company is known for its cozy atmosphere and curated collection.

What's It Actually Like?

Energy2/5
ZenMosh Pit
IntimateChillArtsyNostalgic
FoodieAcademiaArt Scene
Quiet

Who'll Be There

Local book lovers and regulars at Boswell Book Company, students and faculty from nearby universities, foodies and culinary enthusiasts, individuals interested in cultural history and narratives.

How the Room Feels

Seated throughoutQuiet expected

What You'll Leave With

Just the experience

Who It's For

Social style:
Small group (3–6)
Energy needed:
Sit back and receive

Part II · The feel

How it feels

The details organizers don't always put in the description — pulled from the room, the crowd, and what people remember afterward.

The room

Library rules. Whispers and a calm body — this is not a talking-out-loud room.

Seated throughoutQuiet expected

The crowd

Designed for 3–6 people. Good group-of-friends territory.

You'll leave with

Just the experience

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