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The Last Kingdom #13.5
Uhtred’s Feast: Inside the World of The Last Kingdom
WELCOME TO UHTRED’S FEAST
The Last Kingdom is one of the most successful historical fiction series of our time, telling the epic story of the birth of England, and introducing one of the greatest ever fictional heroes: the iconic Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Saxon-born, Norse-raised, warrior and rebel.
The final Last Kingdom book was published in 2020, but for the author the story felt unfinished: there were some Uhtred tales he still wanted to tell, and over the course of writing the books he'd become fascinated by some elements of the Anglo-Saxon world that it wasn't possible to fully explore in the novels.
When he met renowned chef Suzanne Pollak, the idea for Uhtred's Feast was born. And here Bernard Cornwell tells those additional Uhtred stories, showing us the man behind the shield – as a young boy, as Alfred's advisor, and as prince – while Suzanne brings his world to life through beautifully crafted recipes which open a door into the Anglo-Saxon home . . .
The Last Kingdom is one of the most successful historical fiction series of our time, telling the epic story of the birth of England, and introducing one of the greatest ever fictional heroes: the iconic Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Saxon-born, Norse-raised, warrior and rebel.
The final Last Kingdom book was published in 2020, but for the author the story felt unfinished: there were some Uhtred tales he still wanted to tell, and over the course of writing the books he'd become fascinated by some elements of the Anglo-Saxon world that it wasn't possible to fully explore in the novels.
When he met renowned chef Suzanne Pollak, the idea for Uhtred's Feast was born. And here Bernard Cornwell tells those additional Uhtred stories, showing us the man behind the shield – as a young boy, as Alfred's advisor, and as prince – while Suzanne brings his world to life through beautifully crafted recipes which open a door into the Anglo-Saxon home . . .
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2023
271 people are currently reading
4717 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
537 books19.1k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
June 10, 2023
After an outstanding series of novels, featuring Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom series came to an end in 2020. However, here we have a curious new book from Cornwell featuring 80 Anglo-Saxon recipes by Suzanne Pollak, some wonderful historical insights & three brand new short stories featuring the legendary Uhtred.
While Cornwell's historical background information & the stories featuring Uhtred were very good the recipes held no interest for me. A nice idea, but it didn't really work for this long time Bernard Cornwell fan.
While Cornwell's historical background information & the stories featuring Uhtred were very good the recipes held no interest for me. A nice idea, but it didn't really work for this long time Bernard Cornwell fan.
August 2, 2023
4.5*
I am such a fan of Uhtred and Bernard Cornwell’s, Last Kingdom series, I will read anything - even a recipe book! I will say from the outset that it is disappointing reviewers are unhappy with only short stories, or that there are recipe’s included - did they not read the blurb? If you go in with your eyes open, then I think this is a fantastic book that lovers of Saxon times are sure to revel in!
I would divide this little gem of a book into three sections - Cornwell’s nonfiction historical discussion, the joy of more time with Uhtred through a few short stories and some really interesting links and shared knowledge on Saxon cuisine and cooking techniques - what a veritable feast!
The first section provided a fascinating introduction of a brief overview of the history of England. This was especially with regards to how it tied in with the Last Kingdom books. It is wonderful to be provided with the author's thoughts and feelings towards this character that we have all grown to love so much. This book gave Cornwell the opportunity to investigate further into the day to day living of the time.
‘Fictional history is not real history, novelists leave that to real historians, but our books must be authentic, and authenticity is in the mundane details: What did they wear? How did they travel? What did they eat?’
The book provides three short Uhtred stories - as a boy, as a Royal advisor and one final shield wall battle that, in terms of the timeline, comes after the final book in the series. Wonderful! I really enjoyed the short story on the gift of God which detailed a trip to the country with King Alfred and Uhtred and the story of the former being granted sainthood because he made a girl come back to life. Fascinating story and excellent writing by Bernard Cornwell.
"I looked up at the stars and thought I had fought my last fight, faced my last shield wall, and was racing home to a loving woman, to good ale, and to Bebbanburg."
Interspersed throughout are recipes but what I enjoyed most was the background given on things such as food accessibility and storage. It was very interesting to learn about not only what they ate but things such as quality and quantity. Interesting facts such as:
‘Salting has also been used for thousands of years. Soon after the Romans came to England in AD 43 they started developing saltworks along the east coast. …Later, Hellath du got the Anglo-Saxon name Northwich, meaning 'northern saltworks'. (The Anglo- Saxons called a saltwork a 'wich', so any place in England with 'wich' at the end at one time produced salt.)’
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to readers who love this time period, wish to learn about the history and cuisine and especially lovers of The Last Kingdom.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
I am such a fan of Uhtred and Bernard Cornwell’s, Last Kingdom series, I will read anything - even a recipe book! I will say from the outset that it is disappointing reviewers are unhappy with only short stories, or that there are recipe’s included - did they not read the blurb? If you go in with your eyes open, then I think this is a fantastic book that lovers of Saxon times are sure to revel in!
I would divide this little gem of a book into three sections - Cornwell’s nonfiction historical discussion, the joy of more time with Uhtred through a few short stories and some really interesting links and shared knowledge on Saxon cuisine and cooking techniques - what a veritable feast!
The first section provided a fascinating introduction of a brief overview of the history of England. This was especially with regards to how it tied in with the Last Kingdom books. It is wonderful to be provided with the author's thoughts and feelings towards this character that we have all grown to love so much. This book gave Cornwell the opportunity to investigate further into the day to day living of the time.
‘Fictional history is not real history, novelists leave that to real historians, but our books must be authentic, and authenticity is in the mundane details: What did they wear? How did they travel? What did they eat?’
The book provides three short Uhtred stories - as a boy, as a Royal advisor and one final shield wall battle that, in terms of the timeline, comes after the final book in the series. Wonderful! I really enjoyed the short story on the gift of God which detailed a trip to the country with King Alfred and Uhtred and the story of the former being granted sainthood because he made a girl come back to life. Fascinating story and excellent writing by Bernard Cornwell.
"I looked up at the stars and thought I had fought my last fight, faced my last shield wall, and was racing home to a loving woman, to good ale, and to Bebbanburg."
Interspersed throughout are recipes but what I enjoyed most was the background given on things such as food accessibility and storage. It was very interesting to learn about not only what they ate but things such as quality and quantity. Interesting facts such as:
‘Salting has also been used for thousands of years. Soon after the Romans came to England in AD 43 they started developing saltworks along the east coast. …Later, Hellath du got the Anglo-Saxon name Northwich, meaning 'northern saltworks'. (The Anglo- Saxons called a saltwork a 'wich', so any place in England with 'wich' at the end at one time produced salt.)’
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to readers who love this time period, wish to learn about the history and cuisine and especially lovers of The Last Kingdom.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
December 3, 2023
All the medieval gore and fun you expect from this series, just in three shorter stories
January 3, 2024
Interesting Premise. This is three short stories wrapped around some historical explainations and some recepices of food that might have been eaten during Uhtred's time. The stories are OK, and I don't think I would ever make the recipies, but any Uthred story is worth the time. Weak 4 stars.
January 10, 2024
It is something of an addendum to the Uhtred books I enjoyed through the years from Bernard Cornwell. There is assortment of miscellaneous factoids and a "boatload" of Viking recipes.
Library Loan
Library Loan
October 28, 2023
Enjoyed the mixture of the Uhtred stories plus the Anglo-Saxon recipes
May 24, 2023
Two good short stories, one ok short story (although hard to see if there is any tie in with historical claims for it), interesting information on the food and drink available in Saxon/Viking times and a lot of recipes I’ll certainly never try. I’d wait for the paperback.
Definitely a book for those who want to complete their Uhtred collection but by no means one of the best ones. It is exactly as advertised, so no complaints there. I knew going in that a lot of the book was going to be factual food information and associated recipes. I’ve always found that topic mildly interesting without being fascinated by it, so the fact that it fills about half the book meant it was never going to get 5 stars from me. I’m sure the recipes are fine and that those really interested in such things will thoroughly enjoy them.
The first short story about a childhood fight with an older bully is a good read without ever being great. The middle short story about a claimed miracle by Alfred the Great is mildly amusing when Uhtred winds up the priests who have visited him to record his memory of the events, but not exactly gripping. No historical notes are provided to say whether this claimed miracle was ever actually claimed to be one, so my guess is that it is probably an entirely fictitious story. Whether or not sex was involved in a temporary restoration of consciousness is entirely up to the reader to decide. The final story is the best of the lot with the usual dramatic descriptions of sea faring, preparing for battle and the descriptions of the fight itself.
We can all hope to be as active and capable as Uhtred when we are in our 80s! Fate may be inexorable, but has been relatively kind to Uhtred in the end, if not for most of the women he has loved.
Definitely a book for those who want to complete their Uhtred collection but by no means one of the best ones. It is exactly as advertised, so no complaints there. I knew going in that a lot of the book was going to be factual food information and associated recipes. I’ve always found that topic mildly interesting without being fascinated by it, so the fact that it fills about half the book meant it was never going to get 5 stars from me. I’m sure the recipes are fine and that those really interested in such things will thoroughly enjoy them.
The first short story about a childhood fight with an older bully is a good read without ever being great. The middle short story about a claimed miracle by Alfred the Great is mildly amusing when Uhtred winds up the priests who have visited him to record his memory of the events, but not exactly gripping. No historical notes are provided to say whether this claimed miracle was ever actually claimed to be one, so my guess is that it is probably an entirely fictitious story. Whether or not sex was involved in a temporary restoration of consciousness is entirely up to the reader to decide. The final story is the best of the lot with the usual dramatic descriptions of sea faring, preparing for battle and the descriptions of the fight itself.
We can all hope to be as active and capable as Uhtred when we are in our 80s! Fate may be inexorable, but has been relatively kind to Uhtred in the end, if not for most of the women he has loved.
September 15, 2024
I am a huge fan of Uhtred and this series. I love his antics and this small book had plenty of that. I heard this was also a cookbook, but since I listened to the audio, I wasn't privy to those recipes. Not a problem...I'm not sure old English food sounds appealing.
Listening to this one, made me want to binge listen to the entire series again. Most of this series was a solid 5 stars for me.....and I was so thrilled when this came out. It was a treat.
Listening to this one, made me want to binge listen to the entire series again. Most of this series was a solid 5 stars for me.....and I was so thrilled when this came out. It was a treat.
July 29, 2023
Uhtred's Feast was a fun look into the real world of Bernard Cornwell's popular protagonist, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. The audience who can appreciate this book is likely to be a fairly small niche of Last Kingdom fans who are also interested in learning about 11th century recipes and foods. That said, even if you aren't going to make any of the recipes in this book, there's quite a bit of historical information throughout the book as well that fans of Uhtred son of Uhtred will enjoy reading.
An advanced copy of this book was generously provided to me via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An advanced copy of this book was generously provided to me via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2024
This was a rather strange book. It's really only three short stories and then a bunch of recipes from this time period. Yes, you read that correctly.
The three short stories are:
"The First Victory"- a tale from Uthred's childhood. Uthred learns to fight and stick up for himself in the face of bullying from older boys.
"The Gift of God"- a tale from when Uthred was being interviewed by monks about King Aflred's life and he tells the tale of a "miracle" concerning King Alfred.
"The Last Shield Wall"- A tale from an older Uthred who must fight against Frisian raiders.
Those short stories are all pretty good. Had this been a collection of more such stories then this would have been a really good book. But this is not the case. The vast majority of this book is by Suzanne Pollak who seems to be an ancient food historian who provides recipes on how to make things like:
Meatballs
Grilled Liver
Quail
So and so forth. If you want to make some meals from this time period then you will really like this part of the book. While I enjoy cooking I am not likely to make Salt Pork or Pickled Cabbage with Apples. Thus, this cooking aside, there's not much to this novel.
The three short stories are:
"The First Victory"- a tale from Uthred's childhood. Uthred learns to fight and stick up for himself in the face of bullying from older boys.
"The Gift of God"- a tale from when Uthred was being interviewed by monks about King Aflred's life and he tells the tale of a "miracle" concerning King Alfred.
"The Last Shield Wall"- A tale from an older Uthred who must fight against Frisian raiders.
Those short stories are all pretty good. Had this been a collection of more such stories then this would have been a really good book. But this is not the case. The vast majority of this book is by Suzanne Pollak who seems to be an ancient food historian who provides recipes on how to make things like:
Meatballs
Grilled Liver
Quail
So and so forth. If you want to make some meals from this time period then you will really like this part of the book. While I enjoy cooking I am not likely to make Salt Pork or Pickled Cabbage with Apples. Thus, this cooking aside, there's not much to this novel.
March 1, 2025
Because of this book, I just added "cookbooks" as a shelf, lol, because I have a feeling I'll be reading more in the future. (The guy I like likes to cook. Lucky me ;)
It took me forever to read this book (January 14th-February 28th) because I didn't want to read recipes on my birthday, January 16th, and I've had 3 acute insomnia episodes this year.... Yeah.... My life's been hard lately. So I should have finished this book 3 nights ago, but I had to pass out at 9 and sleep.
Anyway, on to my review: I liked this book a lot. I don't know why I was so confused by the introduction. I thought it was another Uhtred story, but then I saw 1993, and I was like what??! Bernard Cornwell wrote an introduction of how he came to write The Last Kingdom series & how England became a country.
Then the book was divided into three parts, each one with recipes and a short story giving more insight into Uhtred's life, stories between books and/or irrelevant to each book. I loved the stories & skimmed the recipes because I wasn't cooking anything right now, but I plan to gift this book to both my London father and the man I like because they both love to cook.
It took me forever to read this book (January 14th-February 28th) because I didn't want to read recipes on my birthday, January 16th, and I've had 3 acute insomnia episodes this year.... Yeah.... My life's been hard lately. So I should have finished this book 3 nights ago, but I had to pass out at 9 and sleep.
Anyway, on to my review: I liked this book a lot. I don't know why I was so confused by the introduction. I thought it was another Uhtred story, but then I saw 1993, and I was like what??! Bernard Cornwell wrote an introduction of how he came to write The Last Kingdom series & how England became a country.
Then the book was divided into three parts, each one with recipes and a short story giving more insight into Uhtred's life, stories between books and/or irrelevant to each book. I loved the stories & skimmed the recipes because I wasn't cooking anything right now, but I plan to gift this book to both my London father and the man I like because they both love to cook.
August 27, 2024
"My Name is Uthred.
I am the son of Uthred,
Who was the son of Uthred
And his father was also
Called Uthred..."
Great and cool collection of short stories. It had some interesting history and food recipes to learn about and during the Saxon era.
I had fun reading a different locations and genre from Bernard Cornwell. This is my second book that I read from him. The previous books it was Sharpe Eagle book.
😲😲👍🏽📚🛡🏹🗡⚔️🗝🪓⚒️⛏️🪚
I am the son of Uthred,
Who was the son of Uthred
And his father was also
Called Uthred..."
Great and cool collection of short stories. It had some interesting history and food recipes to learn about and during the Saxon era.
I had fun reading a different locations and genre from Bernard Cornwell. This is my second book that I read from him. The previous books it was Sharpe Eagle book.
😲😲👍🏽📚🛡🏹🗡⚔️🗝🪓⚒️⛏️🪚
December 3, 2023
I miss Uhtred and his hair raising stories. Appreciate that the author chose to write one last book about this medeivel saxon and the way life was after the Romans. The recipes are an insightful look in to culture and what we thought they ate versus how they really ate.
November 18, 2023
Another terrific bedtime audiobook reading experience. This is a very short series of stories. The stories are from different times in Uhtred's life. All interesting stories.
June 1, 2023
Rating between 3 & 4
Tbh only bought this to keep the series complete and surprisingly really enjoyed the read.
I do occasionally read non fiction and usually not about food history.
I must have been just in the right mood to read this.
If you are reading this for the 3 short stories/novellas and aren’t a completist then probably wait for a second hand copy or the paperback.
The stories I did like and thought they all worked quite well for me, a short story collection of events throughout his life would make a nice read I think.
Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it but probably not enough for the majority of readers (maybe?)
Tbh only bought this to keep the series complete and surprisingly really enjoyed the read.
I do occasionally read non fiction and usually not about food history.
I must have been just in the right mood to read this.
If you are reading this for the 3 short stories/novellas and aren’t a completist then probably wait for a second hand copy or the paperback.
The stories I did like and thought they all worked quite well for me, a short story collection of events throughout his life would make a nice read I think.
Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it but probably not enough for the majority of readers (maybe?)
Read
November 14, 2023This is a challenging book to comment on/review because it's an unusual book. It's largely recipes for medieval meals, with some slight historical background from time to time from Cornwell, and three short stories starring Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the most interesting of which occurs before Uhtred's family is killed and his home seized by the Danes. I realize there's interest in medieval fare (literally, in this case -- look at the popularity of Renaissance faires), but I don't know that there's a huge overlap between that audience and those who enjoy BC's series of medieval war and politics.
April 12, 2024
I enjoyed revisiting the world of Uhtred because I loved Cornwall's The Saxon Stories series as a teenager (and historical fiction nerd). This had some interesting Saxon recipes in too!
October 13, 2024
Fancy cookbook?!?
December 14, 2023
This book is a mix of short stories and recipes that you would have seen during that timeperiod.
I thought the stories and explanations were pretty good and a compliment to the shoe series if you have watched that. As far as the recipes go, there is a variety, but some definitely have some unique ingredients. Some recommendations substitutions would have been nice fir some harder to obtain items.
If there was one thing that I would have wished for in this book it would have to of been some recipe photos. It always helps to see the food before attempting to try it out. Overall the book was enjoyable and will be fun to have in order to try some new foods.
I thought the stories and explanations were pretty good and a compliment to the shoe series if you have watched that. As far as the recipes go, there is a variety, but some definitely have some unique ingredients. Some recommendations substitutions would have been nice fir some harder to obtain items.
If there was one thing that I would have wished for in this book it would have to of been some recipe photos. It always helps to see the food before attempting to try it out. Overall the book was enjoyable and will be fun to have in order to try some new foods.
June 10, 2024
I saw this on the new books shelf in our local library, and since I read this series and am interested in social history and cooking in general, it looked interesting.
It begins with a bit of history by author Bernard Cornwell. Three short stories alternate with sections by his co-author, who specializes in culinary history. Her historical bits are interesting, but the recipes are often speculative. To her credit, she does not claim that all these recipes represent foods commonly used at the time, but only that the ingredients were available to wealthy Saxon lords and they MIGHT have eaten this or that. Still, it's an interesting look at the custom of the times. And I did enjoy the brief visits with Uhtred, including accounts of his first victory at the age of twelve and his last battle, when by his best reckoning was in his mid eighties. In his old age, he was still the sarcastic, strategic, and blood-minded bastard we've come to love.
It begins with a bit of history by author Bernard Cornwell. Three short stories alternate with sections by his co-author, who specializes in culinary history. Her historical bits are interesting, but the recipes are often speculative. To her credit, she does not claim that all these recipes represent foods commonly used at the time, but only that the ingredients were available to wealthy Saxon lords and they MIGHT have eaten this or that. Still, it's an interesting look at the custom of the times. And I did enjoy the brief visits with Uhtred, including accounts of his first victory at the age of twelve and his last battle, when by his best reckoning was in his mid eighties. In his old age, he was still the sarcastic, strategic, and blood-minded bastard we've come to love.
March 23, 2024
Part collection of short stories, part social history and part cookbook it feels wrong to review this without making some of the recipes contained within and I may well revisit my rating once I've tried one or two, though as Anglo-Saxon cuisine appears to have hardly changed in the past 1000 years I have a pretty good idea how most of the recipes will taste. Lack of salt, pepper, sugar and potatoes appears to be the main difference with a variety of native spices used instead and the wonderful turnip, a most highly under rated vegetable, taking centre stage instead.
The stories are pure Uhtred and a joy to read. While I have long hoped that Uhtred might crosss paths with Dunstan I'll forever believe that the unnamed monk in the second tale is the erstwhile Saint. Other than that there is adventure aplenty and in keeping with the theme of the book the true enemy appears to be the carrot.
Now, eel pie and rabbit stew beckon.
The stories are pure Uhtred and a joy to read. While I have long hoped that Uhtred might crosss paths with Dunstan I'll forever believe that the unnamed monk in the second tale is the erstwhile Saint. Other than that there is adventure aplenty and in keeping with the theme of the book the true enemy appears to be the carrot.
Now, eel pie and rabbit stew beckon.
December 12, 2023
I’ll start by saying, I didn’t “read” the whole book. What I mean by that is that all of the parts that were just recipes and historical background information, I just either skipped or skimmed through. I think that stuff is pretty cool but it wasn’t the reason why I picked up the book. Also, how in the hell are you supposed to sit down and read a cookbook?
Now, for the actual content of the Uhtred side-stories, it felt sub-par in a lot of ways. I still liked it for the most part because it’s my favorite series and in these stories we get to revisit favorite characters long dead, all be it not for very long. That’s what I liked.
The first short story was pretty boring. It followed Uhtred before the events of the first book when he’s like eight years old. He gets the help of the long-passed favorite blacksmith, Ealdwulf (the creator of Serpent-Breath), to make a trap for eels to receive a small payment from his father. During this chapter, we get some funny dialogue between a young Uhtred and another favorite, the man himself, Beocca. Uhtred ends up having to fight bullies that are bigger than him by outsmarting them and ends with him beating the shit of their leader. Classic formula and ended up being entertaining other than the slow start.
The second story was probably the most disappointing. It was a story that followed Uhtred traveling with King Alfred. I was looking forward to this part the most, but for some reason, Alfred’s character felt very off. In this story, he just seemed to not be the cold and calculating man we have come to know and almost seemed a little childish and it was off-putting. The story revolves around Uhtred recalling a story of Alfred to some priests where Alfred supposedly resurrected a young girl from death. There’s this weird part where, unless I was misinterpreting the scene, it seemed like he had sex with her? I’m not sure if this was the case and it would be somewhat upsetting if it was. Prior, it mentioned how much Ealswith was a nagging wife and how she makes him miserable, and then scenes later, Alfred was acting weird about wanting to be alone with a beautiful lady (who was naked moments ago). I don’t even know. I thought what made Alfred so compelling was him flipping a switch to become the most pious man ever and not “messing around” any longer. I guess this possible lapse makes him more human but it was out of character nonetheless. Just odd.
And the last story tells of Uhtred’s final shield wall not long after the events of book 13. And this was just boring. Everything about this chapter was just way too drawn out. The seafaring which is usually pretty captivating felt dull and even the final battle, although decently entertaining, just felt bland compared to most of the battles in the series. The enemy wasn’t even hyped up and was basically a lowly pirate. It felt meh.
Overall, it was an okay read. Anything with Uhtred and the boys, I want to read and consume. This, however, did not need to exist whatsoever, and I would have been fully content with the ending of book 13. I’d only recommend this to someone like me who is a diehard fan of the series and wants to complete every single aspect of this narrative. Even then it’s kind of hard to recommend.
That being said, if anything were to ever continue in this world with these characters, I would love to see a completely new narrative told from the perspective of Finnan from a young boy all the way to when he meets Uhtred. That would be awesome. As for Uhctred’s Feast, 2.5/5.
Now, for the actual content of the Uhtred side-stories, it felt sub-par in a lot of ways. I still liked it for the most part because it’s my favorite series and in these stories we get to revisit favorite characters long dead, all be it not for very long. That’s what I liked.
The first short story was pretty boring. It followed Uhtred before the events of the first book when he’s like eight years old. He gets the help of the long-passed favorite blacksmith, Ealdwulf (the creator of Serpent-Breath), to make a trap for eels to receive a small payment from his father. During this chapter, we get some funny dialogue between a young Uhtred and another favorite, the man himself, Beocca. Uhtred ends up having to fight bullies that are bigger than him by outsmarting them and ends with him beating the shit of their leader. Classic formula and ended up being entertaining other than the slow start.
The second story was probably the most disappointing. It was a story that followed Uhtred traveling with King Alfred. I was looking forward to this part the most, but for some reason, Alfred’s character felt very off. In this story, he just seemed to not be the cold and calculating man we have come to know and almost seemed a little childish and it was off-putting. The story revolves around Uhtred recalling a story of Alfred to some priests where Alfred supposedly resurrected a young girl from death. There’s this weird part where, unless I was misinterpreting the scene, it seemed like he had sex with her? I’m not sure if this was the case and it would be somewhat upsetting if it was. Prior, it mentioned how much Ealswith was a nagging wife and how she makes him miserable, and then scenes later, Alfred was acting weird about wanting to be alone with a beautiful lady (who was naked moments ago). I don’t even know. I thought what made Alfred so compelling was him flipping a switch to become the most pious man ever and not “messing around” any longer. I guess this possible lapse makes him more human but it was out of character nonetheless. Just odd.
And the last story tells of Uhtred’s final shield wall not long after the events of book 13. And this was just boring. Everything about this chapter was just way too drawn out. The seafaring which is usually pretty captivating felt dull and even the final battle, although decently entertaining, just felt bland compared to most of the battles in the series. The enemy wasn’t even hyped up and was basically a lowly pirate. It felt meh.
Overall, it was an okay read. Anything with Uhtred and the boys, I want to read and consume. This, however, did not need to exist whatsoever, and I would have been fully content with the ending of book 13. I’d only recommend this to someone like me who is a diehard fan of the series and wants to complete every single aspect of this narrative. Even then it’s kind of hard to recommend.
That being said, if anything were to ever continue in this world with these characters, I would love to see a completely new narrative told from the perspective of Finnan from a young boy all the way to when he meets Uhtred. That would be awesome. As for Uhctred’s Feast, 2.5/5.
March 26, 2024
Uhtred's Feast by Bernard Cornwell is an addendum to The Last Kingdon series. It consists of three things: an essay by Cornwell giving the history which took place during the events of the series and its relationship to his fiction, three additional short stories about Uhtred of Bebbanburg, and 60 recipes and the background of food during the time period by Suzanne Pollak. As Cornwell said in his introduction, The Making of England, "Fictional history is not real history, novelists leave that to real historians, but our books must be authentic, and authenticity is in the mundane details: What did they wear? How did they travel? What did they eat?" The Last Kingdom tries to cover these details while telling a thrilling story that could have been real at the time. He decided that to cover food would add more authenticity to the period. I may not ever try any of the recipes, but they do tell me what food was like at the time. Pollak also gives many details of the collection, storage and preparation of the food which make it more realistic to the reader.
The three short stories cover vastly different stages in Uthred's life. The first, The First Victory, tells of a bully who tried to torture Uhtred at a young age, and what happened to him. The second, The Gift of God, tells of an episode with King Alfred when he gained sainthood by bringing a woman back to life for a short period of time. And the third, The Last Shield War, tells of a time when raiders from Frisia were followed and revenged by Uhtred in his old age. All three are good stories, but brief, so brief. I'd hoped for more. However, this is exactly what is advertised about this book. if you love Uhtred, it does give a last small bit of information about The Last Kingdom.
The three short stories cover vastly different stages in Uthred's life. The first, The First Victory, tells of a bully who tried to torture Uhtred at a young age, and what happened to him. The second, The Gift of God, tells of an episode with King Alfred when he gained sainthood by bringing a woman back to life for a short period of time. And the third, The Last Shield War, tells of a time when raiders from Frisia were followed and revenged by Uhtred in his old age. All three are good stories, but brief, so brief. I'd hoped for more. However, this is exactly what is advertised about this book. if you love Uhtred, it does give a last small bit of information about The Last Kingdom.
January 25, 2024
Uhtred is and has long been my favorite fictional character. To be true, I now have trouble thinking of him as fictional. This tale, laid out beautifully in 13 (now 14 with this morsel) books that make up Bernard Cornwell's Warrior Chronicles or Saxon Stories or Saxon Tales, which I have come to call the Saxon Chronicles, is exceptional. If you have read and enjoyed the series, read this, even if you don't buy it, just for the additional three tales that complete the girth of Uhtred's life.
Reviews make the point that this book falls short due to the simple fact that one cannot read a cookbook; I do agree. Reviews offer that the historical information offered is interesting and enjoyable; I agree. Some reviews communicate that the three stories are nothing special; I heartily disagree. The stories offered herein, for me, were just as good as any told in this series. Upon closing this book, I am sad that Uhtred's life story is complete. I'll return to read this series again and I'll read the three stories here offered. They do not disappoint. The cookbook portion is really not something to be digested in completing Uhtred's tale, but I'm sure some of the recipes are quite good and, perhaps someday, I may try to make one or more. But, ultimately, completing the life of Uhtred in the final three stories was well worth the purchase and the read. Uhtred will live on for generations to come, I know. This is a fact because the story is excellent, and an excellent story must be read. So, as Uhtred reminds throughout the telling of his tale, fate is inexorable, and this book is fated to be read with the others, in order to say goodbye to Lord Uhtred.
Reviews make the point that this book falls short due to the simple fact that one cannot read a cookbook; I do agree. Reviews offer that the historical information offered is interesting and enjoyable; I agree. Some reviews communicate that the three stories are nothing special; I heartily disagree. The stories offered herein, for me, were just as good as any told in this series. Upon closing this book, I am sad that Uhtred's life story is complete. I'll return to read this series again and I'll read the three stories here offered. They do not disappoint. The cookbook portion is really not something to be digested in completing Uhtred's tale, but I'm sure some of the recipes are quite good and, perhaps someday, I may try to make one or more. But, ultimately, completing the life of Uhtred in the final three stories was well worth the purchase and the read. Uhtred will live on for generations to come, I know. This is a fact because the story is excellent, and an excellent story must be read. So, as Uhtred reminds throughout the telling of his tale, fate is inexorable, and this book is fated to be read with the others, in order to say goodbye to Lord Uhtred.
January 23, 2024
Uhtred's Feast is a very interesting book. It is a combination historial novel and cookbook. The book is authored by both Bernard Cornwell and Suzanne Pollak. In this book you have three separate shorts stories about Uhtred written by Cornwell and sections of the book with recipes prepared by Pollak. Cornwell has an intersting narrative on how he came to write the book in the beginning as well. I'm not a good cookbook fan, but the three short stories by Cornwell were very good. One is about Uhtred as a young boy growing up in Bebbanburg and how he deals with a bully, another story is one with King Alfred and Uhtred on an adventure and how they experienced a miracle and the final Uhtred story is how Uhtred and his warriors go to save some of his people who have been kidnapped by a group of Danish slavers. So if you enjoy reading and reviewing recipes or have come to enjoy the stories of Uhtred, I think you will enjoy this book. Maybe we will see another book like this one, based on Cornwell's books about Richard Sharpe. Suzanne and he could explore the cuisine of a British soldier while fighting in Spain whether it be their everyday meals, a special feast when they captured a Spanish town from the French or when they finally got to a very good meal in France!
November 23, 2025
Three very good short stories from the Uhtred of Bebbanburg series by Bernard Cornwell.
I listened to the audio version which doesn't contain the Anglo-Saxon recipes, which from reading other reviewers may have been a blessing.
I only recently found out these stories even existed and having read and enjoyed all the novels, began reading them with some trepidation, fearing they were merely bits of books that didn't make the final cut, hastily cobbled together for a quick profit.
They MAY actually be so, but I found each tale to be properly formed, interesting, well written, and each illustrating the beginning, middle and twilight of The Lord Of Bebbanburg's life.
Although I have enjoyed the Sharpe novels 'The Saxon Stories' by Cornwell will always hold a special place.
I have literally grown old reading them. When I started reading the Uhtred books he was about 40 years younger than I was and when they finished he was about 30 years older that I was, so I have known him 'man and boy'.
It may be because of this nostalgia and the comfort of reading about a character I thought was gone but I REALLY enjoyed this brief time with Uhtred and unhesitatingly rate this book a 5*
I listened to the audio version which doesn't contain the Anglo-Saxon recipes, which from reading other reviewers may have been a blessing.
I only recently found out these stories even existed and having read and enjoyed all the novels, began reading them with some trepidation, fearing they were merely bits of books that didn't make the final cut, hastily cobbled together for a quick profit.
They MAY actually be so, but I found each tale to be properly formed, interesting, well written, and each illustrating the beginning, middle and twilight of The Lord Of Bebbanburg's life.
Although I have enjoyed the Sharpe novels 'The Saxon Stories' by Cornwell will always hold a special place.
I have literally grown old reading them. When I started reading the Uhtred books he was about 40 years younger than I was and when they finished he was about 30 years older that I was, so I have known him 'man and boy'.
It may be because of this nostalgia and the comfort of reading about a character I thought was gone but I REALLY enjoyed this brief time with Uhtred and unhesitatingly rate this book a 5*
November 19, 2023
I was mostly interested in the recipes and they didn't disappoint me. They were adapted to our modern palates and they were easy. And since a lot of people don't eat turnips or liver anymore, they could even find 'new' foods in this book.
Almost all the recipes were preceded by a small text about the importance of the ingredient (leeks for example) for the Saxons, how they obtained it and/or preserved it. And also by three veeery small essays about Early Medieval food titled 'Home', 'Land and Water' and 'Storage'.
Those tidbits were the most interesting part of the book. However, I think the authors should have explained better the differences in food then. Like how acidic they could make the cider vinegar. Or ale. Ale features in half the recipes but no word about how it was made or how it could have tasted, since hops weren't used until a century after Uhtred's life and wild yeast died if introduced in too sweet malts (for this reason, before hops, ale brewers used a lot of bitter herbs, giving birth to many interesting and weird recipes like 'rosemary ale'). I also found the recipe for 'Saxon bread' a bit lacking in verosimilitude and experimentation.
The three short stories by Cornwell were quite nice. If you want more of Uhtred's adventures, we can see him as a young boy, as a mature and solid warlord and in his last shield wall at around 85 years of age.
In short, the historical recipes have been simplified but they are good and the literary part is short but interesting. A longer book would have received the 5 stars, for this, 4 is fair.
Almost all the recipes were preceded by a small text about the importance of the ingredient (leeks for example) for the Saxons, how they obtained it and/or preserved it. And also by three veeery small essays about Early Medieval food titled 'Home', 'Land and Water' and 'Storage'.
Those tidbits were the most interesting part of the book. However, I think the authors should have explained better the differences in food then. Like how acidic they could make the cider vinegar. Or ale. Ale features in half the recipes but no word about how it was made or how it could have tasted, since hops weren't used until a century after Uhtred's life and wild yeast died if introduced in too sweet malts (for this reason, before hops, ale brewers used a lot of bitter herbs, giving birth to many interesting and weird recipes like 'rosemary ale'). I also found the recipe for 'Saxon bread' a bit lacking in verosimilitude and experimentation.
The three short stories by Cornwell were quite nice. If you want more of Uhtred's adventures, we can see him as a young boy, as a mature and solid warlord and in his last shield wall at around 85 years of age.
In short, the historical recipes have been simplified but they are good and the literary part is short but interesting. A longer book would have received the 5 stars, for this, 4 is fair.
September 14, 2024
This was not at all what I expected. I had read reviews which complained that Bernard Cornwell was just grabbing for money on this one. I disagree. The book description also indicated that this was a series of Cornwell's reflections on the series with insight into some of the backstories. This is not at all what it is. Cornwell begins with a rather introspective introduction which includes some historical background, but he then launches into a narrative tale of Uhtred's childhood. Many of our old friends from the series are there and it gives some insight, but it is in the form of a story, not an essay.
In the second part of the book, Uhtred is a very old man. A village on his lands in pillaged by slavers and he pledges to get the taken people back. This leads to a raid that is classic Uhtred in miniature. Again, a fictional tale and adventure in the tradition of the series.
In the end, this was a nice cap on a great series, a few bonus episodes. We visit the characters we've enjoyed and see Uhtred come out of retirement for one last shield wall. I enjoyed this one as much as the others in the series.
In the second part of the book, Uhtred is a very old man. A village on his lands in pillaged by slavers and he pledges to get the taken people back. This leads to a raid that is classic Uhtred in miniature. Again, a fictional tale and adventure in the tradition of the series.
In the end, this was a nice cap on a great series, a few bonus episodes. We visit the characters we've enjoyed and see Uhtred come out of retirement for one last shield wall. I enjoyed this one as much as the others in the series.
February 3, 2024
This book is a short and sweet finish to an excellent series.
The historical notes are really interesting. That's an aspect of all Cornwell's writing which I really enjoy, and this book gave him scope to talk about things which don't really fit into standard novels. How do you keep your family fed through the winter months without refrigeration, well-stocked shops, or the option to harvest or forage fresh food?
The recipes were interesting to look though, and I may very well borrow this book from the library again one day just to try a few of them. Again, it adds depth to my understanding of the era I've been reading about and an appreciation of the variety which was available in that time and place.
The short stories are delightful, and well-chosen for their variation. It was good to encounter some familiar faces once again. The best of the three is definitely the last in the book.
Although this book is not in the same league as the novels from the series, it was a satisfying way to close out Uhtred's adventures.
The historical notes are really interesting. That's an aspect of all Cornwell's writing which I really enjoy, and this book gave him scope to talk about things which don't really fit into standard novels. How do you keep your family fed through the winter months without refrigeration, well-stocked shops, or the option to harvest or forage fresh food?
The recipes were interesting to look though, and I may very well borrow this book from the library again one day just to try a few of them. Again, it adds depth to my understanding of the era I've been reading about and an appreciation of the variety which was available in that time and place.
The short stories are delightful, and well-chosen for their variation. It was good to encounter some familiar faces once again. The best of the three is definitely the last in the book.
Although this book is not in the same league as the novels from the series, it was a satisfying way to close out Uhtred's adventures.
June 15, 2024
UHTRED’S FEAST is a portmanteau, which of course is more of a Lewis Carroll thing than a Bernard Cornwell thing. It is a short story collection and a cookbook --- two for the price of one.
Anyone who is any kind of a home cook likely has had this experience: you go on Google, put in the ingredients you have on hand, and start looking for recipes. When you find something promising, you open up somebody’s food blog, and then you’re confronted with something that is not the recipe. It is usually a wodge of text explaining the backstory of the recipe. Maybe it’s something that the author ran across at a small village restaurant in Tuscany. Perhaps it’s an original concoction from their dearly departed great-grandmother, who, with her 15 cats, has gone on to her eternal home.
Read the rest of the review at BookReporter:
https://www.bookreporter.com/reviews/uhtreds-feast-inside-the-world-of-the-last-kingdom
Anyone who is any kind of a home cook likely has had this experience: you go on Google, put in the ingredients you have on hand, and start looking for recipes. When you find something promising, you open up somebody’s food blog, and then you’re confronted with something that is not the recipe. It is usually a wodge of text explaining the backstory of the recipe. Maybe it’s something that the author ran across at a small village restaurant in Tuscany. Perhaps it’s an original concoction from their dearly departed great-grandmother, who, with her 15 cats, has gone on to her eternal home.
Read the rest of the review at BookReporter:
https://www.bookreporter.com/reviews/uhtreds-feast-inside-the-world-of-the-last-kingdom
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