Fellow Lintonian and local author Christopher M. Wathen has released a new book that will appeal to everyone from history buffs to home bakers to those who simply believe that some things — like bread — are worth doing the good old-fashioned way.
Titled A Historical Guide to Bread, the book blends practical insight with historical reflection, tracing the story of bread from ancient civilizations through to the modern artisan revival as a history book of sorts — with a twist. Drawing from a long-forgotten 19th-century treatise and his own reflections growing up in southern Indiana, as well, Wathen reconnects readers with the fundamentals of real breadmaking — flour, water, salt, time — and the patient, practiced hands that have shaped it through the centuries.
“It’s certainly not a cookbook,” Wathen says, “though you can definitely bake from it. It’s more of a cultural guide — a way to understand how bread has always been part of who we are as humans, from the monastery to the modern Midwest kitchen.”
The book also features a chapter on home baking with the simplest recipe for everyday use, making it accessible for those who’ve never baked a loaf but have always wanted to try.
Wathen, a Linton native and longtime contributor to local causes and small business, is no stranger to big ideas with rural appeal. A couple of his past works include The Chronovisor, a speculative history exploring Vatican technology, and Modern Psalms, a bold social commentary rooted in personal experience.
The Historical Guide to Bread is available now in paperback through Amazon. For those interested in a thoughtful, grounded read — or just looking to reconnect with something simple and timeless — this latest release from a hometown author may be worth a look.
And speaking of food and recipes:
Whether you’re feeding the family or just fixing something for yourself, we’ve got several recipe favorites waiting on The Lintonian’s Recipes Page. From skillet suppers to old-fashioned Sunday desserts, come see what’s cookin’ — and definitely don’t be a stranger! 👉 Browse our full recipe collection here.