While doing research for a murder mystery set in 1939 Norfolk, I found that I needed some solid insight into the culture of English food of that time. Relatively little has been captured of England's eating habits in the immediate pre-WW II era, though. This is in spite of untold volumes of political and social history concerning England (as a subset of the British Empire) covering the last few years of peace in Europe before the War.
This is where Arabella Boxer came to my rescue.
This volume is actually more social history than recipe book. I found the insights into food culture, at many levels of social class, to be instructive. The details surrounding types of meals, the changing nature of foods available and consumed, and particularly the social aspects of food and entertaining among the rich and learned upper classes, proved to be engrossing. Of course, one volume can't give exhaustive details on all the political and social implications of eating habits of the time, but Mrs. Boxer does an admirable job of giving the broad picture and decorating it with all sorts of tasty (and sometimes juicy) details. For instance, seeing the elements of food and social chicanery that contributed in no small part to the abdication of King Edward VIII is worth the price of admission alone.
My only disappointment came from the sketchy nature of the coverage of the recipes. After reading the front half of this book I was ready to see (and likely try) dishes from all levels of social class, and for a variety of settings: Standard meals, leas and parties, and special-occasion or holiday eating. While there's a smattering of that, the majority of the ideas and recipes cover what the upper-class ate, and with very uneven coverage.
Still, for the purposes of my research effort, this book is the best I have found (or will likely find in the future). I found many specifics on cooking skills and tools, habits and cautions that will easily make my story more believable and interesting. The social history portion of the book also gave me some wonderful ideas for enhancing the plot.
No more can be asked of any good read, in my opinion.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2013
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Top reviews from other countries
Nan
Mouth watering !
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 9, 2016Verified Purchase
Stephen Bishop
Fascinating
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 5, 2016Verified Purchase
M. C. Verrall
Interesting
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 9, 2014Verified Purchase
Bookmole
A wonderful read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 25, 2018Verified Purchase
Kindle Customer
Things haven,t changed much have they
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2015Verified Purchase
