Their Last Suppers

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Their Last Suppers

Category:	Religion
Author:	Andrew Caldwell
Publisher:	UPSO
Price:	£10.99
ISBN:	184375-160-7
Pages:	180
Reviewed in issue:	1

The title might have a slightly religious overtone but the book’s depiction of the final meals of this collection of historical characters is definitely enjoyably secular in actuality. The specific menus and the recipes for them make for entertaining and easy reading, and a desire to try out some of the more seemingly achievable. The author’s historical research appears to be very accurate, marred only by some proof-reading errors. He has interestingly described personal tastes and linked them with the customs, fashions and availability of food of the time. The contrast between the basic Spartan meals of King Leonidas and the standard twelve-course dinner served on the Hindenburg illustrates this admirably. It would have been helpful to know if there are any roughly similar equivalents to liquamen, the Roman fish sauce, or some of the other unfamiliar ingredients, including American ones. Obviously difficult to find nowadays! An index of recipes would also be useful. The book would appeal to those interested in cooking, although the historical content is useful in placing characters and their suppers in context. The author, therefore, provides a book of culinary history, which should succeed in interesting people in some powerful personalities and their tastes in food in an entertainingly easy fashion.

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