This is a fun book with short chapters digging in to the culinary history of France--linking the Muslim invasion of the 8th century with goat cheese, Louis Xiv and his fondness for oranges (not Dutch people, oranges), the French Revolution and bread riots, the olive oil/butter and chocolate/coffee lines of demarcation in early modern Europe, the mother sauces and Julia Child's friend Simca and her dynastic connection to making Benedictine (and her use of this knowledge to aid her family's WWII survival).

Very enjoyable read! I was sort of worried it might be a very dry history type deal and was pleasantly surprised to find a fun story of French culinary history from wine to foods to wars and culture and history! Francophiles will surely enjoy this book, but I think anyone interested in food, drink and France will find it a pleasant and entertaining read.

This book is a lovely mixture of history, folklore and food. French food. The history goes back a long way as does the evolution of French wine and cuisine.
The history is told with a certain style that makes reading it a pleasure, and, with just enough facts to make it real. I like history, but I think even if you didn't, this book would still appeal. The regions of France as well defined and the cultural backgrounds explained. A most interesting read.