Food in the Ancient World from A to Z

Description

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), utenslls, 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-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.

'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