The English Table

The English Table is a delectable journey through the culinary history of England, from ancient times to the present day. The book sheds light on the evolution of English cuisine, which essentially was the food of the rich; the poor had to manage as best they could until the 20th century.

Unveiling the secrets hidden in period cookery books, from the earliest known scroll of recipes—the 14th-century Forme of Cury—to modern classics such as Jane Grigson's English Food, each chapter is a culinary time capsule. Enriched with historical context, the book features carefully curated recipes from each era, offering a mouth-watering glimpse into the flavours that have shaped English culinary heritage.

The English Table is an account of the continuity and change in the English diet over centuries that includes a brilliant assembly of carefully chosen recipes. Norman navigates both the history of food and the practical and sensory qualities of recipes with equal flair and authority.

– Bee Wilson, author of The Secret of Cooking: Recipes for an Easier Life in the Kitchen

"This story that spans centuries and is yet intimate is a delightful and fascinating way of learning about this country and understanding our eclectic tastes today." – Claudia Roden, cookbook writer and cultural anthropologist