Intended for students, general readers, vegetarians, and vegans, as well as those interested in animal welfare and liberation, this A_Z encyclopedia explores the historical and cultural significance of vegetarianism in the United States and beyond. Vegetarianism in the United States did not start in the 1960s_it has a much longer, complex history going back to the early 1800s. Cultural Encyclopedia of Vegetarianism examines that history through the lens of culture, focusing on what vegetarianism has had to say to and about Americans. This A_Z encyclopedia brings together the work of a number of scholars from diverse fields, including history, sociology, philosophy, religious studies, anthropology, nutrition, American studies, religious studies, women's and gender history, and the history of medicine. Approximately 100 essay entries cover cultural and historical aspects of vegetarianism, primarily but not exclusively in relation to the United States, shedding light on the practice's roots in ancient cultures and challenging popular myths and misconceptions related to both vegetarianism and veganism. With discussions on everything from activist movements to cookbooks, the encyclopedia offers a unique, wide-ranging exploration that will appeal to students, practitioners, and anyone else who wants to know more. A_Z entries on cultural and historical aspects of vegetarianism in the United States and beyond Brief sidebars with excerpts from primary documents, quotations, and more A chronology of vegetarianism in the United States, including relevant international developments Photographs of famous vegetarians A selected bibliography of relevant books, scholarly articles, and websites