An interesting book... Not a cook book, but a fascinating history tome on food etiquette, politics and traditions. This is a book more for scholars and “heavy readers” of history. Being someone who enjoys learning the history of food and its traditions, I found it an enjoyable read. Just a long, heavy read. Well worth it for those truly interested in the evolution of food, as its history helps make it what it is today.

A fascinating history of the development of medieval cuisine from roots in Roman practices to the impact of cooking techniques from the Middle East. Montanari examines how cooking grew from a basic survival function to a more creative and pleasurable practice. He also demonstrates it's heritage in today's cuisine. A great combination of history, philosophy, and food. Recommended for academic libraries and large public libraries where there is an interest in the history of cooking