From pauper's food to cultural icon, this book tells the story of the use and consumption of the lobster. From coastal fishers through the Industrial Revolution to modern times, the book shows how the lobster has been transformed from peasant food into a luxurious delicacy. Lobster: A Global History is the first book to describe the social history of the consumption of this seafood around the world, and to address the current controversy about the humane killing of lobsters, which may alter the readers' enjoyment of the dish. It includes beautiful images of rarely-seen lobsters, and both old and contemporary lobster recipes. Lobster will appeal to anyone who loves this fascinating crustacean, or who has chased a lobster across the kitchen floor.