Stewart Lee Allen : In the Devil's Garden - A Sinful History of Forbidden Food

Would madam care for some anger this evening. And for sir, perhaps, a little lust? It is very nice. From Stewart Lee Allen's menu you can sample all seven deadly sins. Each freshly researched, well-seasoned with aromatic anecdotes and sizzling tidbits - brought to you piping hot from every culinary culture on the globe. Since God used the metaphor of Eve and the Forbidden Fruit to define human nature itself, our history has been peppered with food taboos that have shaped civilisations. As you pick from Allen's historical smorgasbord, you'll learn about the important role played by chocolate in the French revolution, how a spat between chefs caused a rift in the Catholic Church that lasted a thousand years and why Caesar fought food to save the world's mightiest empire. Here, for your delectation, is human history in its entirety. Remember, we are what we eat.