"The first complete history of vegetarianism in the United States, this book reveals the movement's key people, organizations, and events from the late 1700s to the present. Despite common notions that today's vegetarianism sprang from 1960s counterculture - and that, prior to the 60s, its only advocates were fanatics and fringe groups - the authors explore strong movements in other historical eras, the proponents of which included esteemed physicians, socialites, and other notable members of the establishment. Until now, no one has chronicled the contributions that advocates of vegetarianism have made to the American way of life in such areas as general eating habits, preventative medicine, feminism, and environmental awareness." "From Johnny Appleseed and the Bible-Christians to John Harvey Kellogg and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, this story features dedicated and colorful characters who persevered, undaunted by the many obstacles they faced, to convince their fellow Americans of the benefits of vegetarianism. From a religious movement, to an ethical concern about the rights of animals, and eventually to recent nutritional discoveries, vegetarianism is a movement that continues to evolve and grow."--BOOK JACKET.