A Great History of Gastronomy. The Culinary Art of France: From the Middle Ages to Modern Times

From the aromas of medieval feasts and the bustling streets of the Renaissance to the glamour of the Ritz hotel and the sophistication of modern restaurants — renowned historian Loïc Bienassi will guide you through the key epochs of French gastronomy, which has become a benchmark for gourmets around the world.

You will learn what medieval dishes tasted like, how Marie-Antoine Carême created his architectural desserts, and how Auguste Escoffier forever changed the perception of haute cuisine. You will learn to distinguish tarts from tortes, pâté from pâté, and even try your hand at making them. You will touch upon the lives of European monarchs, flamboyant poets, bureaucrats, workers, students, courtesans, and the poor through their taste preferences. In this book, all the myths and legends surrounding French cuisine are debunked, and its history is told without embellishments — albeit slightly dusted with humor.

Try the art for taste and enjoy its history — the history of French gastronomy!

For those looking for books on the history and culture of everyday life — not just a book on world history, but a deep study where cuisine becomes a part of world history and the history of humanity. The large-format edition is generously illustrated: medieval miniatures, old menus, dishes, photographs of dishes, and much more — this splendid gift edition of a book on cuisine from an unusual perspective is sure to delight your favorite gourmets on any holiday.

From the Middle Ages to Modern Times — before you is a grand history of France, seen through taste. The author shows how French cuisine was formed, why it became a reference point for all of Europe, and how perceptions of food changed. A true bible of French cuisine — a rare combination of academic precision and enjoyment of reading: simultaneously a fundamental book on history and an exquisite edition for those who appreciate taste in all its senses. For all who wish to know more about food and cuisine, this gift edition will be a true discovery.