A Twist in the Tail

"'A must-read for anchovy obsessives.' -- Nigella Lawson 'A riveting, globe-trotting fish tale that follows the ebb and flow of the anchovy's influence, and recounts how it has divided and united people around the table for millennia.' -- Katie Parla, food and beverage writer, culinary guide and author of 'Food of the Italian Islands' 'As someone who was sure he hated anchovies and now is a fan, I can't imagine a better way to learn the history of my secret culinary weapon. ""A Twist in the Tail"" offers much more than I ever imagined. It's one of those rare books that is a pleasure to read while making you a little smarter in the process.' -- Steve Sando, founder, Rancho Gordo 'An entertainingly rich exploration of the inter-related culinary histories of Western Europe and the United States through the prism of the anchovy--this is my kind of book! With a distinct and amusing voice, Beckman offers beautiful information and a wider perception of the broader cultures he explores.' -- Graeme Rigby, creator of 'Rigby's Encyclopaedia of the Herring' 'Told with remarkable erudition, a fishy tale that twists and turns around much of the Western world. A fun read that combines deep knowledge of anchovies with wit and writerly flair. Un-put-downable, even if you have no interest in food or fish!' -- Professor Nayanika Mathur, University of Oxford 'Beckman takes us on a cultural adventure across the centuries, cleverly using anchovies as a barometer of changing culinary trends--from medieval theories balancing the four humours to the revolution of French sauces and nouvelle cuisine, with plenty of recipes along the way.' -- Professor Kevin Butcher, University of Warwick"