Sensual yet pre-eminently functional, food is of intrinsic interest to us all. This exciting new work by a leading authority explores food and related concepts in the Greek and Roman worlds.

In entries ranging from a few lines to a couple of pages, Andrew Dalby describes individual foodstuffs (such as catfish, gazelle, peaches and parsley), utensils, ancient writers on food, and a vast range of other topics, drawn from classical literature, history and archaeology, as well as looking at the approaches of modern scholars.
Approachable, reliable and fun, this A-to-Z explains and clarifies a subject that crops up in numerous classical sources, from plays to histories and beyond. It also gives references to useful primary and secondary reading.

It will be an invaluable companion for students, academics and gastronomes alike.

Reviews

'As well as giving pleasure, this book will provide an excellent start for a study of food in the ancient world.' - Dr Joan Alcock, Minerva, vol.15, no. 3, May 2004

Dalby's book is one, where, on looking up one entry, you are diverted to another and another so that an hour has passed before you realise, somewhat guiltily, what you should be seeking. - Dr Joan Alcock, Minerva, vol.15, no. 3, May 2004

'It can be read for pleasure just as much as instruction. The only problem is putting it down ... Dalby manages to write for everybody. He never assumes specialist knowledge despite being a fully fledged classicist and an acknowledged expert in the field. But he never talks down to his audience either or underplays the importance of understanding a text in its original language. A safe birthday present for anybody who is interested in food or its history.' - Times Higher Education Supplement

'For the professional scholar, this volumes helps to fill [a] gap. Dalby's introductory material ... is aimed at the intelligent, non-specialist reader ... both audiences will find this a useful book ... Indiviudal entries offer a wealth of fascinating and often surprising information ... this is a timely book.' - The Classical Review

'As well as giving pleasure, this book will provide an excellent start for a study of food in the ancient world.' - Minerva

'It can be read for pleasure just as much as instruction. The only problem is putting it down. ' - Times Higher Education Supplement

'For the professional scholar, this volumes helps to fill [a] gap. Dalby's introductory material ... is aimed at the intelligent, non-specialist reader ... both audiences will find this a useful book ... Indiviudal entries offer a wealth of fascinating and often surprising information ... this is a timely book.' - The Classical Review

Book Information
ISBN 9780415232593
Author Andrew Dalby
Format Hardback
Page Count 426
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 950g