I love the energy of the author of this book, but the recipes were pretty.....bad. The joke of a lettuce sandwich or a bread sandwich is a good one but I'd be disappointed if I bought a cookbook and those were recipes in it.

I just love that someone sat down and researched the history of sandwiches and how what we add between two slices of bread has changed over the years.

Of course there are some questionable fillings, but also many that had me salivating and wanting to try.

While I haven’t had a chance to make any of these sandwiches as yet, the below are on my list to try;

🥪 1936 - Pineapple Cucumber Sandwich
🥪 1907 - Club House Sandwich
🥪 1909 - Sheridan Park Club Sandwich
🥪 1958 - The Sophisticated Club Sandwich
🥪 1901 - Picnic Sandwich
🥪 1925 - Kentucky Hot Brown Toasted Sandwich
🥪 1974 - The 70’s Special
🥪 1912 - Strawberry Sandwich
🥪 Japan - Tamago Sando
🥪 France - Croque Monsieur et Madame

I sure do love a good sandwich!

Thank-you @netgalley @harvardcommon and Barry for this Digital Advanced Readers Copy, in exchange for an honest review.

Do you ever get bored of the same ham and Swiss on rye. You’re not alone. Welcome the sandwiches of history. This cookbook not only explores the history of sandwiches, but some of the most unique things ever put on them and the recipes to make them. This book is well done and entertaining. And of all the recipes I’ve seen the one that sounds most intriguing is the cucumber pineapple sandwich. And the most WTF sandwich is probably the hotdog sloppy Joe’s sandwich. Also trigger warning: this book is on the side of hotdogs are sandwiches.

This certainly seems to have done what it intended. It's a successful recipe book concentrating solely on sandwiches, that creates a self-contained entity, while also plugging a utube channel I didn't know of beforehand, but may just well be checking out before too long. After an introduction to the different kinds of bread, the history of mayo, ketchup and so on, we hit the recipes.

These can look a touch busy, when we get ingredients and instructions, tips to "plus up" them for more satisfaction, the date the original recipe reached the presses, our creator's thoughts, some historical factoids for context, a 'remix' if a full reboot of the dish makes something much more easy, buyer-friendly or tasty, and more. But the whole seems pretty friendly, the large images help us know what we're aiming for – shock horror, our main ingredients in between bits of bread, and we don't feel left out in the cold.

We start with the lighter bites of snacking and afternoon teas, revisiting times when just salmon in bread was recherché. But boy, since then nasturtiums have become a lot less common as an edible, and anybody of any age might feel free to raise an eyebrow at the mayonaissed combo of diced cucumber and pineapple that makes another filling.

What this isn't is something able to pinpoint a sandwich to a specific spot in history – the last burger Lincoln ate before a night at the theatre, Alcock and Brown's packed lunches, etc. These are known recipes from reputable sources, so even if Mrs Beeton tells us to put some lightly-seasoned toast inside bread and call it a toast sandwich, then that's what we can try – it was Mrs Beeton, after all. What it also isn't is something able to completely get you to heaving state – even the chapter about slightly outre sandwiches has things as calmly acceptable as what looks like pastrami and BBQ sauce burgers.

There are separate sections for vegetarian options, a kind of world foods aisle equivalent, and sweet sandwiches, amongst which is the mock banana of WWII rationing – the oh-so-exotic fruit was actually a boiled parsnip. (Having had wartime-styled carrot jam, I would happily give this a go – way before the final dish here, that is.) But I wasn't actually persuaded to capture any of the recipes and keep them to one side – knowing of the vlogs elsewhere, knowing these were things meeting bread and little else, there wasn't much oomph, much 'you gotta try this' vivacity. Yes, much of this would raise eyebrows if you lumbered a friend with it as a lunchtime option, but for me at least it didn't quite have the pizzazz, the water-cooler moment, the show-stopper.

Still, having the one-dish-in-town every day of your life would soon pall. And this undoubtedly makes for an interesting specials board. Now to argue that they don't all deserve to be cut on the diagonal...

Thank you to NetGalley and Harvard Common Press for an ARC of this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


This is a fantastic cookbook! I learned more than I ever knew existed about various types of sandwiches and ingredients. There was a ton of humor, and wasn't dry or boring in the slightest.

The photos are stunning, and show each sandwich in perfect detail. The instructions are clear, and there is plenty of space dedicated to each sandwich, and nothing felt cramped or rushed.

I don't think there is a single recipe in this book that I wouldn't want to make. I'm already planning on making several of them over the next month.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This book was a fun and interesting read about the history of sandwiches along with some easy recipes. I enjoyed reading the tidbits and facts about how the various sandwiches came to be.

Part recipe book, part history book, this is a fascinating exploration of sandwiches. Some look immediately delicious, while others cause a lot of skeptical thoughts.

The categories in the book make it easy to find a sandwich for all kinds of occasions, and the tips to improve a sandwich beyond its traditional format are a nice option for those who might not easily think of ways to improve the options. I appreciate the history tidbits and his attempts to recreate the recipes in a way that is easily accessible to modern audiences.

If you’re a sandwich connoisseur or a food lover, there’s very likely something in this book for you.

I have always been and will always be a sandwich girlie. I love good bread, so when you put amazing cheeses, sauces, fresh veggies, and protein between slices, it just makes it even better. Naturally, I was excited to see this title pop up on my recommended because I also love food history. I always said if money was no object, I would've studied historical foodways in college.

I absolutely adored this book, a fun quick read that melds history and recipes together in one convenient place. Now, I'm not brave enough to try all of these sandwiches, but I appreciate the inclusion of their recipes alongside the historical context for those with more iron stomachs than myself. The ingredient deep dive at the start was one of my favorite features, because those sauces really can make or break a sandwich, so understanding something as seemingly minor as the condiments really is important. As someone who works in a very niche industry (cranberry research!) I love hyper specific insights like this. The inclusion of the recipe remixes is also a fun way to bring an older recipe to modern audiences. But it is also fun to see what hasn't really changed, like the Picnic Sandwich from 1901 is basically the same way I make an egg salad sandwich (swapping the capers for dill pickle relish, but I want to try the capers now).

I was also psyched to see the inclusion of the Chip Butty (spelled Buttie in the book, but it is Butty singular, Butties plural). I was born in America but raised by my Manc grandparents and mom, so this was a favorite food as a kid, along with cheese on toast and cheese and butter sandwiches, where are also featured in the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed Sandwiches of History: The Cookbook, which comes as no surprise since I love following the author on social media and watching his videos. My favorite part of the book is the fascinating history behind the sandwiches, including what was happening in the world when they were created or gained popularity. This book delivers exactly what it promises, and it’s a delight to read.

Sandwiches of History: The Cookbook
All the Best (and Most Surprising) Things People Have Put Between Slices of Bread
by Barry W. Enderwick
This is an amazing book about the history of sandwiches from around the world. I really enjoyed discovering some of those surprising recipes. It’s fun, intriguing and mouth watering!
The pictures are worth a thousand words! I will be trying many of those unusual sandwiches.
This would be a great cookbook for anyone who enjoys a good sandwich!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

Sandwiches of History: The Cookbook is a collection of sandwich recipes from throughout history. It details the history of some classic sandwiches and where certain variations arise from. It's fun and creative.

Sandwiches of History focuses on the history of popular and some more unusual sandwiches and popular ingredients.

The Sections are
The sandwiches of history kitchen
Tea/snack sandwiches
Club sandwiches
Surprising sandwiches
Vegetarian sandwiches
International sandwiches
Open-faced and sacked sandwiches
Sweet sandwiches

Each recipe has the year the sandwich created, ingredients, instructions, history about the sandwich. Also, some of the recipes had pictures and any plus ups (or additions) that would be tasty. Many of the sandwiches are quite simplistic.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Part history lesson, part cookbook, part cultural exploration, “Sandwiches of History: The Cookbook: All the Best (and Most Surprising) Things People Have Put Between Slices of Bread” by Barry W. Enderwick looks something we all take for granted everyday and gives us some surprising stories, surprising recipes. Although the history of the sandwich is (somewhat) documented, the amazing variety based on people’s changing tastes leads us down some remarkable culinary paths.

The book is divided into different categories and includes the original recipe, some additional ideas, and even some complete remakes, all graced with delicious pictures, with some interesting sandwiches in each section:

Tea and Snack Sandwiches: In addition to the classic watercress and salmon, there are some surprises such as Salad Sandwich and Pineapple Cucumber Sandwich.

Club Sandwiches: classy, with interesting variations, including the Milwaukee Sandwich.

Surprising Sandwiches: things you would not expect, such as the Toast Sandwich (bread between bread?), Hot Dog Sloppy Joe (nope, not for me), and the Hot Chicken Tuna Sandwich.

Vegetarian Sandwiches: self-explanatory, the Gruyere Sandwich and Waffled Cheesewich both sound interesting.

International Sandwiches: includes classics such as the Pan Bagnat, Banh Mi, and Croque Monsieur et Madame.

Open Faced and Sauced Sandwiches: These seem to be mostly American, with a heavy dose of nostalgia, the Kentucky Hot Brown, Sloppy Joe, and even something called The ‘70s Special.

Sweet Sandwiches: Time for dessert, Date and Orange Sandwich, Ginger Sandwich, Strawberry Sandwich and Peanut Butter and Cherry Sandwich sound good while the Mock Banana Sandwich from WWII Britain sounds a bit unappealing.

Good mix, something for everyone, assuming you enjoy buttered bread, which is the basis for most of the recipes. Luckily, I do!

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Quarto Publishing Group, Harvard Common Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

It is so fascinating to discover the history of A food that is so commonplace today. We usually mindlessly gobble down a sandwich as something quick, easy, and portable that gets us through the day, but Enderwick pulls back the curtain to the rich and varied story of this common food and showcases how it can rightfully reclaim its place on our table. I have tried a few of the recipes in this book and found their flavors to be a great update to those that I normally think about when I think The Grilled Cheese or Club Sandwich. This is a book that would make a marvelous gift for that Foodie who thinks they Know It All or the friend who like to play with flavors!

Thank you NetGalley, Quatro Pres, and Harvard Common Press for the ecopy that I read. All thoughts on this book are my own

What a delightful walk down memory lane. Though so of them were just over the top. You can tell the difference in culture and economics by each recipe. It was a fun read.

If you're a sandwich lover—or just curious about what’s hidden between two slices of bread—Sandwiches of History is a must-have. Barry Enderwick, the guy behind @sandwichesofhistory, serves up almost 100 recipes, all packed with fun facts and tasty twists on classic sandwiches.

This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a trip through sandwich history! You’ll find everything from the classic Cucumber Tea Sandwich to wild ones like Hot Chicken Tuna or even Mock Banana. Plus, Barry throws in his “plus ups” to make your sandwiches even better.

There’s something for everyone: vegetarian, international, and even sweet sandwiches (yes, dessert sandwiches are a thing). Whether you're a sandwich pro or just looking to switch up your lunch routine, this book has you covered. It’s fun, easy, and totally makes you rethink what you can do with bread. Grab it and start making history one sandwich at a time! 🥪

Barry Enderwick’s Sandwiches of History: The Cookbook is a delightful tribute to the sandwich, blending culinary nostalgia, history, and creativity. Packed with recipes from classics like the Club and Cucumber Sandwich to quirky finds like the Mock Banana and Dusty Nuttergoose Sandwiches, this book offers something for everyone.

Enderwick’s engaging style combines clear instructions with fascinating tidbits about each sandwich’s origins, making it both educational and fun. His “plus ups” and remix ideas encourage readers to elevate or reinvent their creations. Whether you’re a seasoned sandwich enthusiast or a curious foodie, this cookbook will inspire and entertain.

You’d think making a sandwich wouldn’t need a recipe, but you haven’t thought about all the different and varied types of sandwiches! I love that there’s a whole cookbook devoted to this type of food!

I must say I do love a good sandwich and this book had many to choose from. Some recipes and sandwich ideas go right back to the 1800's which is great as I love a bit of food history.

This is a book that would get well used in my household as I just don't like a boring sandwich and this certainly livens up any lunchtime! Great recipes, great photography and a book that will make you hungry for more. Loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Harvard Common Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book brings me so much joy! Combining food with history, not to mention the satisfaction of an actionable recipe book. This is a must have!