English Food

A People’s History

Diane Purkiss author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:9th Nov '23

Should be back in stock very soon

This paperback is available in another edition too:

English Food cover

This book offers a fascinating exploration of England's culinary history, revealing how food has shaped social customs and traditions throughout the ages.

In English Food, Diane Purkiss takes readers on a delectable journey through the history of Britain's culinary traditions. This engaging exploration spans centuries, examining how mealtime rituals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner have evolved. Through the lens of food, Purkiss reveals the intricate relationship between cuisine and societal change, illustrating how meals reflect shifts in class, gender, and tradition. The narrative is rich with historical anecdotes, including whimsical tales of trial by bread and the curious wartime ice-cream substitute known as 'hokey pokey.'

The book delves into the fascinating evolution of the coffee trade and the emergence of London's iconic coffee houses, which served as hubs for political and artistic discourse. Purkiss also recounts the history of British beef breeding and the chilling connection to the Glencoe Massacre. From the simplicity of poached chicken to the complexities of spiced dishes, readers are invited to savor the diverse flavors of English cuisine. The exploration extends to tea rituals, icehouses, pantries, and even ancient orchards, offering a sensory experience that engages both the palate and the mind.

English Food is more than just a culinary history; it is a rich tapestry of social history told through the food that has graced English tables. With each chapter, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for their meals and the stories behind them. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened as you discover the culinary heritage that shapes contemporary England.

Praise for English Food :

‘An absolute gem… English Food is a fabulous read. I devoured it with gusto… My review copy will find a permanent place on my bookshelves… a richly entertaining and enlightening social history of England… Superb’ Sunday Times, Christopher Hart

‘Every page brings astonishing revelation… acerbic, witty, opinionated and devoid of pomposity… This book is about food, but it’s more importantly about how food defines us’ The Times, Gerald DeGroot

‘A mouthwatering history… A sumptuous survey of English cuisine leaves no morsel untasted… liberally seasoned throughout with literary references, from Anglo-Saxon poetry to Michael Ondaatje… fascinating… There’s an awful lot of good stuff to get your teeth into here’ The Guardian, Felicity Cloake

‘What a delectable banquet of a book this is… This magnificently readable and engaging book (which is also very generously illustrated) sets the record straight and should whet appetites for the attentive, seasonal cooking and gamier flavours of the past’ Literary Review

‘[A] fantastic book’ Evening Standard

‘A remarkable book, scholarly, entertaining and fascinating. Purkiss is extraordinarily well read, articulate, and writes beautifully. She goes under the skirts of convention to strip bare the many presumptions that surround what we eat and why. Mandatory reading for anyone involved, however peripherally, in food and what we now refer to as the food chain. Simply a brilliant work’
The Guild of Food Writers Food Book Award judges

ISBN: 9780007255573

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 42mm

Weight: 400g

560 pages