Edible Books – Books as Art and Food

Edible books? Did you read that correctly? Yep. You did.

Pancake Book by Odine Lang, Germany, 2007

Every year, on or around April 1, artists and book lovers around the world create edible books for The International Edible Book Festival. Why April 1st? It’s the birthday of French gastronome Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin who wrote Physiologie du goût, a witty meditation on food–and, of course, April Fools’ Day, “the perfect day to eat your words and play with them, as the ‘books’ are consumed on the day.”

The Giving Tree (Shel Silverstein) by Panola College, Texas, USA, 2006

Started by Judith A. Hoffberg in 1999, and made into an international event through the creation of Books2Eat website by Béatrice Coron, this festival is a creative and fun celebration of books. Some of the art here–and I do think it’s art–is quite beautiful, inspiring, and brings the feeling of a real love for books. Others are creative endeavors inspired by books.

If you enjoy cooking or baking, maybe these will inspire you to create your own masterpiece. The organizers invite everyone to create their own bookish food on Arpil 1, document it, and then consume it. (You have to register with the site , and you’re encouraged to send photos.)

Little Black Bk by Noosa Regional Gallery, Australia, 2003

To check out more of these great edible books, view the online galleries at The International Edible Book Festival website, under Festivals 2000/2007. You’ll be inspired.

August 30th, 2007