Books : In the Devil's Garden: A Sinful History of Forbidden Food

Rating: - Delicious!
What a fantastic book!

In the Devil's Garden is divided into eight sections (one for each of the seven deadly sins plus one for luck!)Part travelogue, part gourmet treat, part history book, this book ticks so many boxes you won't be disappointed.

The book is incredibly well researched and is written in a highly entertaining, often humourous way. There were parts where I was almost crying with laughter....the part where Allen was rubbed down with a guinea pig was particualrly amusing (if you want to know why, you'll have to read the book!) I particualrly liked the idea of Louis XIV's courtiers having a 'hissy fit' when chocolate was introduced to France. I can picture it really clearly!

A great book that you can read in one sitting, or dip in and out of. Good present for foodies. Recommended.

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Rating: - sometimes tasty - often moorish!
Well, this was a little surprise! I picked this up with some trepidation; not knowing if i was to read a tedious speel about religion and grub and whatnot.

My worries were unfounded. This was a veritable smorgasboard of the most unusual facts and heresy's regarding food i have ever heard. Roll on obscure food questions on high prize quiz shows!

In all seriousness i read this as i have a vested interest in food, i trained and worked as a chef for a few years, but this is a cracking book that would appeal to anyone fond of trivia or the pedant on a mission.

I must also make quick mention of the writing style; descriptive, to the point & very easy - he wants us to enjoy the book, not feel as though we are at a lecture & has the talent to make this happen. The book is more easily readable and sun-lounger suitable than many high street fiction novels.

For those in search of something new, this is well recomended, as is the same authors book on coffee; the devils cup.

If this is hell's kitchen - its good eatin'!!

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Rating: - Food & The 7 Deadly Sins
This book was a mine of interesting (and probably quite useless) information. It explored myths and taboos surrounding food, examining their origin and comparing and contrasting attitudes and ideas in different cultures. The book was organised into sections along the lines of the 7 deadly sins which was quite a neat idea but some of the topics didn't really fit into any sin category. It was as good a way as any to organise it though; I can't think of a better way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, my only quibble being that it left me hungry for more, if you'll forgive the pun!

The section on cannibalism was fascinating, albeit gruesome. One of the topics that has stuck most prominently in my mind is that of why the apple was chosed to represent the forbidden fruit in catholic ideology. Apparently the apple was a powerful celtic symbol and that was probably the reason it was represented as the forbidden fruit by the Roman church. I would definitely recommend this book as a good read, it will whet your appetite in more ways than one.

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Rating: - A good accompaniment to the coffee book
A fairly enjoyable book with an entertaining style .It is a humorous look at the history of food fads. Those looking for a serious tome might find this one a little light for their digestion. For those looking for historical quirks, good tales and a good laugh and who are not too pedantic, this makes a good snack of a read.

A good accompaniment to the coffee book