The Pleasures of English Food

by Alan Davidson

Generations of inhabitants have helped shape the English countryside. This title celebrates this long tradition with various aspects of the countryside, from stargazey pie and country churches, to man's relationship with nature and songs celebrating the patterns of the countryside (as well as ghosts and love-struck soldiers).

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Cookbooks, Food and Drink, British Literature

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

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Reviews

[Daniel Dumas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightfully fun and insightful read giving the reader a concise yet comprehensive account of English culinary history. Two words: Toast Water.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little buffet or smorgasbord of our national food - alphabetical delicacies from Afternoon Tea to Yorkshire Pudding ...

[Geoff Gander · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot of obscure details about English cuisine, which is exactly what I was hoping for.

[Cameron · Rating 2 out of 5]

As part of the Penguin English Journeys collection, this edition is a quick trip through England's culinary past. From the difference between afternoon tea and high tea to the drinking of toast water, Alan Davidson gives the reader a taste of the history and traditions of English food. Perhaps most enjoyable of all are the anecdotes which give context to certain types of meals and styles of etiquette. He dispels certain myths and misconceptions, such as revealing that the matronly Mrs Beeton (editor of the 1861 Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management) was in fact the young wife of a publisher, and that she passed away at the age of 28.