Nicola Humble

This book starts relatively late in the history of cookbooks, in the mid-nineteenth century, because Humble is looking at the influence of cookbooks on our lives, and the first really influential cookbooks - Beeton and Acton - are published about this time. It doesn't pretend to be a bibliography of cookbooks, but an illuminating selection. The author introduces us to a chronological sequence of significant cookbooks - you won't have heard of all of them, as some onetime bestsellers have since sunk without a trace - and has a deft touch with selecting the most interesting bits to quote. Along the way there are typical recipes from each era laid out for you to try or pull faces at (not all are delectable; some illustrate the weaknesses of our culinary past).

Extremely enjoyable to read, and very witty at times, anyone who likes cookbooks, especially old cookbooks, will find this a delight. It wears its erudition lightly but along the way we learn a lot. Perhaps the best indication of the potency of this book is that it makes one want to go and read - and in many cases buy - the books she looks into. It is thus also a good introduction to the subject for anyone just discovering an interest.

The text and illustrations are high quality and the book is a pleasure to handle. I will re-read it many times, and have ordered several of the books mentioned too!… (meer)