Whimsical Potions. The Art of European Pleasures in the 18th Century

The 18th century became a time for the formation of a new European mentality. The philosophers of the Enlightenment taught to rely on one's own reason, scientists turned to natural laws, and technical achievements expanded the boundaries of the possible. But alongside the spiritual, everyday life changed as well: new dishes began to appear on tables, and gastronomic preferences became as popular a topic for discussion as new book releases.
The book by the Italian historian Piero Camporesi introduces readers to one of the most important pages of the gallant century—the history of tastes and exotic dishes. Gastronomic habits reflected the characteristics and interests of society at that time. Chinese tea, coffee beans, and cocoa fruit became increasingly popular, bringing together more and more connoisseurs of flavors. The presentation of dishes turned into a new art, and the mastery of French chefs was known in all corners of Europe, while each celebrity adhered to their own unique diet. The art of living had never been so exquisite.