It takes a true food historian who’s passionate about his subject to wade into the world of Philadelphia sandwich history. Fortunately for readers, Philadelphia-area author Mike Madaio is the writer for the job. His new book, “A History of Philadelphia Sandwiches,” ventures with authority into the sandwich saga, and unwraps some tasty slices of history that readers and Italian Americans in the region will find irresistible.

The title actually sells the book short, because the book is much more than a history. Madaio has assembled a tapestry that blends meticulous research, original and archival photographs, social science and cultural themes, all knitted together by an insightful chronological narrative.