Vegetarianism follows a radical path through Western culture: borne in the Orphic traditions inherited by Pythagoras from Ancient Egyptian religion. It flourished within Greek philosophy becoming an essential component by the time of Plutarch and Plotinus. It was usurped by the dominant Hebraic basis of Christianity, but it continued to challenge the orthodoxy through the various heresies such as Bogomilism, Gnosticism, and Manicheanism.

Colin Spencer identifies three major factors that drive vegetarian thinking: 1) Compassion for the suffering of animals, 2) An abhorrence of flesh and things of the world, and 3) The use of diet as a support for good health. Interesting this last factor, which is the most often cited reason for people adopting a vegetarian diet, is also the most recent.

This is a great book that covers a lot of ground but does so with eloquence and intelligence. Each chapter could be expanded into its own volume without exhausting the material. ( )