MEAT, METAL AND FIRE - THE LEGENDARY AUSTRALIAN BARBECUE
By Mark Thomson

Mark Thomson's earlier book 'Blokes and Sheds' established him firmly as a leading commentator on major sociological aspects of contemporary Australian life. His most recent work can only cement (weld?) his reputation.

In this book, he painstakingly investigates the legend that is the Aussie barby and concludes: "Take a slab of meat, a sheet of metal and a good smoky fire and you've got yourself the ingredients not just for a top-rate meal but for an event. It's part tribal bonding, part ritual ceremony, part bare necessity. That's the Aussie barbecue: a back-to-basics, one size fits all outdoor celebration".

Although this book contains a handful of really good recipes (try the Skippy marinade), its focus is clearly on people and their relationships with barbecue. The whole spectrum is covered from the simple way the Ngaanyatjarra people from the Gibson Desert cook emus to the megabarby - custom built monsters that have what the author describes as: "more than a hint of the pagan temple and a whiff of the sacrificial altar about them". The author also examines the dynamic nature of the Aussie barby and how it continues to absorb overseas influences - most notably from Asia and the Middle East.

Buy it for the great photos of people and their barbys from all over Australia. Buy it for the author's delightfully dry sense of humour.

ORIGIN: Australia
FIRST PUBLISHED: 1999
VERDICT: Highly recommended.