Australia’s iconic Vegemite, the pungent and salty black paste that kickstarts our mornings, has reached a milestone: its 100th birthday!
From breakfast tables, souvenir shops, iconic songs, to a pair of volleys, Vegemite has been a staple of Australian culture for a century, and James Callister’s new book, The Man Who Invented Vegemite, explores the fascinating history and enduring cultural significance of this iconic black paste.
The Man Who Invented Vegemite takes us on a journey spanning the Gold Rush, the Depression, and two world wars, offering a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of modern Australia and the life of the man responsible for Vegemite’s creation.
Despite its present popularity, when Vegemite was first introduced in 1923, the public wasn’t interested. It took another fifteen years and a world war before the salty black paste found a place in our hearts and stomachs.
Callister’s book delves into the life of his grandfather, the man behind this enduring cultural icon, and reveals the extraordinary things that can happen to seemingly ordinary people.
Callister himself was born in Melbourne in 1960 and has since worked in television and media as well as building and construction. As a keen surfer, he now resides on the Sunshine Coast with his wife and three children.
The Man Who Invented Vegemite is his debut book, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and cultural significance of this quintessentially Australian spread.
Available here.
