A Sacred Feast: Reflections on Sacred Harp Singing and Dinner on the Ground

“Filled with harmony, heartache, and home cooking, A Sacred Feast is at once the best-ever culinary travelogue about singing and a soul-searching look at the heart of America.”—Tim Eriksen, singer, songwriter, ethnomusicologist, and Sacred Harp teacher and enthusiast Published On: 2007-07-17

“Dishes with charming names like ‘Ivalene Donaldson’s Lazy Man Fruit Pie’ beg to be tested. A Sacred Feast appears equal parts historical documentary and cookbook, with the pensive, yet lively and descriptive writing for which the author is regarded.”—Matthew Schniper, The Colorado Independent

Published On: 2008-04-10

“A Sacred Feast is the product of Eastburn’s simultaneous desires for documentation and self-understanding. As she witnesses the transformative power of sacred harp singing and community, we share in her growth vicariously. Although participants might share a slice of cake or a songbook with each other, they also share life.”—Jessica Orr, Gastronomica

“Here is what you will feel after reading this book: hungry! Each chapter comes loaded with recipes that Eastburn has collected from Sacred Harp gatherings, and foodies will love the heavy does of culinary Americana in her short and enjoyable book.”—Paul Harvey, Books & Culture

“Kathryn Eastburn writes beautifully. Into her narrative about attending singings and becoming an experienced singer she weaves information about the history of The Sacred Harp, describes how the music is sung, tells what happens at a singing and refers to other writings and videos and websites. The reader can come away from A Sacred Feast with a solid understanding of Sacred Harp singing.”—Joyce Cauthen, Journal of the Alabama Folklife Association