A Bite-sized History Of France: Gastronomic Tales of Revolution, War, and Enlightenment

Acclaimed upon its hardcover publication as a culinary treat for Francophiles (Publishers Weekly), A Bite-Sized History of France is a thoroughly original book that explores the facts and legends of the most popular French foods and wines. Traversing the cuisines of France’s most famous cities as well as its under-explored regions, the book is enriched by the ‘authors’ friendly accessibility that makes these stories so memorable (The New York Times Book Review). This innovative social history also explores the impact of war and imperialism, the age-old tension between tradition and innovation, and the enduring use of food to prop up social and political identities.

The origins of the most legendary French foods and wines - from Roquefort and cognac to croissants and Calvados, from absinthe and oysters to Camembert and champagne - also reveal the social and political trends that propelled France’s rise upon the world stage.

‘In this Franco-American couple’s not-so-bite-sized history, the complex political, historical, religious and social factors that shaped some of the country’s most iconic dishes and culinary products are explored in a way that will make you rethink every sprinkling of fleur de sel’ - Christine Muhlke, The New York Time Book Review

‘A husband and wife - he is French; she, American - move briskly through the history of France with a picnic basket full of information about the connections between history and gastronomy…a genial journey through history that will leave readers both satiated and ravenous’ - Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)