The Food Book

Discover the origins, traditions, and use of the everyday foods served on our plates, from salt to sushi and rice to ravioli.

A true celebration of food in all its forms, The Food Book follows the human quest for sustenance through the stories of individual ingredients. It examines our millennia-long relationship with nearly 200 foods - from nuts and seeds to noodles and meat - with the help of sumptuous illustrations and tales from all over the world.

Food is the cornerstone of daily life, culture, and even religion. Staples like bread, beans, and cereal crops are part of our culinary history and are used in many different ways around the world.

This fascinating reference covers:



All food groups, including nuts and grains, fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, herbs and spices.
Information on every aspect of food’s origin, history, and place in world cuisine.
Photographs that showcase culturally and historically interesting foods and how they are used.


Packed with glorious images to create a feast for the eyes and stories that surprise and enthral, this is the ultimate feast for foodies, a global smorgasbord packed with unforgettable tales and eye-opening facts.