Reviewed by annieb123 on
The Secret History of Food is an engaging look at food absolutely full of trivia and minutiae curated and presented by Matt Siegel. Due out 31st Aug 2021 from Harper Collins on their Ecco imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately; it makes it so easy to find information with the search function.
I love trivia, factoids, and other bits of minutiae. It's cheering to "know stuff" and pleasant to sometimes see connections between words, etymology, and history. This book is so full of facts and trivia that it's difficult to read for long without *needing* to break off to go and chase down some reference or related details.
The language is perfectly accessible and clearly written that it's understandable by anyone. The book is prodigiously annotated throughout and refreshingly accessible to non-academics. I received an ebook ARC for review and being able to click on the annotations and footnotes for more information was extremely handy.
There are certainly a number of eye-opening and startling bits of history from ancient times down to the modern day. Obviously a niche book, but highly recommended for lovers of trivia.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 17 August, 2021: Finished reading
- 17 August, 2021: Reviewed