All Manners of Food: Eating and Taste in England and France from the Middle Ages to the Present

Stephen Mennell examines the stark culinary divide between England and France, tracing their divergent paths from the Middle Ages to the present day. The author investigates how social and political developments shaped distinct national attitudes toward eating, moving beyond simple recipe comparisons to explore underlying cultural values. The text covers fasting, gluttony, cookbooks, women's magazines, chefs, cooks, and the influential difference between court and country food. Mennell debunks common myths about these traditions while analyzing how enjoyment of meals fits into social life. A new afterword extends this analysis to include the United States and other European nations, addressing the rise of Asian influence and multicultural cuisine. This work suits readers interested in the history of customs and traditions rather than those seeking practical cooking instructions. It offers a comprehensive look at how historical forces influenced what people ate and how they viewed their food. The book presents these complex social dynamics through essays that connect past dietary habits to modern culinary identities, providing context for current gastronomic trends.