This edited text explores the complex relationships between food and drink, and individuals and society. It provides analysis of social conditions that shape these relationships and examine their consequences in areas such as the distinctiveness of cultures, national pride, the cohesiveness of communities and personal and collective identity. By focusing on specific aspects of social conditioning, including class, politics, ethics, cultural homogenization, urban development, migration, literature, and travel, it explains the emergence of dominant patterns of food and drink production, supply and consumption. It also explores representations of food and drink in the arts, to assess what this reveals about aspects of our food and drink cultures. With international contributions (Australia, UK, France, Romania, Thailand, USA) from well-known and respected academics and practitioners, it provides a combination of theoretical enquiry and practical insight into consumer behavior.