Author:

Henisch, Bridget Ann.

Summary:

Extract: With such warnings and exhortations ringing in their ears, men stumbled uncertainly through a maze of contradictory assumptions about food and its role in life. They were lured hither and thither by conflicting ideals and conflicting advice, tugged to and fro by the insistent demands of their Church, their society and their purse. The ways in which these ideas and pressures affected the preparation and presentation of meals will be explored in the rest of this book.

Further details:

• Softcover: 279 pages
• Language: English
• Illustrations: Black & White Illustrations
• ISBN-13: 9780271004242
• Product Dimensions: 22.6 x 14.6 x 2.1 cm

Staff Comments:

This is not a recipe book but an in depth investigation of the role of food, foodstuffs and their presentation in medieval society. There are recipes scattered throughout the text as examples illustrating particular points, but the main focus is on the preparation and display and how this could be used for political and social gain. Contents: Introduction; Mealtimes; Fast and Feast; Cook and Kitchen; Methods and Menus; Laying the Table; Manners Maketh Man; Entertainment, Surprise and Sotelty; Notes Suggestions for Further Reading; Index.