I was excited to buy this book but very let down when I got it. Don't waste you money.

Mr. Elie has written a book that cuts a wide swathe through the regional barbecue landscape. While some of the information is good, and the book does provide a curious read, the regional nature of barbecue lends to the book's inadequacy. What any student of regional foodways should understand is that food traditions cannot be subject to a single standard. Especially a standard levied by an outsider. Unfortunately, Elie proceeds to "damn" local barbecue joints for their poor food, despite the high regard the restaurant holds in the local community. Mr. Elie's culinary arrogance extends not only to judgments on food, but he extends a patronizing attitude towards many of the people he meets, including a truly offensive treatment of the speech patterns of the Gullah in the SC lowcountry. While a moderately curious read, it will not remain on my shelf.

This is one great book. I love it so much, I bought another copy "just in case". The writing is superb, the photography is amazing, and from a Q-fanatic with literally hundreds of barbeque books, this one is my very favorite.