Horsemen of the Esophagus

Horsemen of the Esophagus: Competitive Eating and the Big Fat American Dream is a non-fiction book written by Jason Fagone. The book was published in 2006 and provides an in-depth look at the world of competitive eating, a sport where participants compete to consume large quantities of food in a short period of time.

Overview

The book explores the lives of several competitive eaters, often referred to as "gurgitators," and delves into the culture and history of competitive eating. Fagone follows these individuals as they travel across the United States, participating in various eating contests. The narrative provides a detailed account of their training regimens, personal lives, and the physical and psychological challenges they face.

Key Figures

Some of the notable competitive eaters featured in the book include:

• Takeru Kobayashi - A Japanese competitive eater who revolutionized the sport with his unique techniques.
• Sonya Thomas - Known as "The Black Widow," she is one of the top female competitive eaters.
• Eric "Badlands" Booker - A rapper and competitive eater known for his large stature and impressive eating abilities.

Themes

The book touches on several themes, including the American Dream, the nature of competition, and the human body's limits. It also examines the commercialization of competitive eating and its rise in popularity, particularly through events like the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Cultural Impact

Horsemen of the Esophagus sheds light on a subculture that is often overlooked or misunderstood. It provides a comprehensive look at the sport's impact on both participants and spectators, highlighting the blend of entertainment and athleticism that defines competitive eating.

Reception

The book received positive reviews for its engaging writing style and thorough research. Critics praised Fagone's ability to humanize the competitive eaters and provide a balanced perspective on the sport.

See Also

• Competitive eating
• Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
• Takeru Kobayashi
• Sonya Thomas
• Eric "Badlands" Booker