Staging the Table in Europe - 1500-1800

Staging the Table in Europe is a groundbreaking exploration of early modern European culinary history, revealing a pan-European culture of elaborate performance surrounding the preparation and presentation of food. It demonstrates how instructional manuals followed the decline of formalized craft education and illuminates the material and social worlds of their readers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2023
Publisher: Bard Graduate Center, Exhibitions Department

Staging the Table in Europe is a groundbreaking exploration of early modern European culinary history, offering a comprehensive and pioneering study of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century illustrated handbooks for cooking and dining. Authored by Deborah L. Krohn, this book represents the first book-length exploration of these instructional manuals, which provided detailed instructions on a wide range of culinary practices, from carving meats and fruits to folding napkins into animal forms, performing tableside magic tricks, and creating elaborate tablescapes for courtly banquets. Through her meticulous research, Krohn unveils a captivating world of culinary spectacle, shedding light on the development of a pan-European culture that revolved around the preparation and presentation of food. Krohn's analysis reveals that the rise of instructional manuals coincided with the decline of formalized, in-person modes of craft education, such as guilds and familial instruction. Moreover, she demonstrates how these manuals serve as valuable sources of information not only about culinary techniques but also about the material and social worlds of their readers. Beautifully illustrated with numerous photographs and illustrations, Staging the Table in Europe offers a rich visual experience that allows readers to immerse themselves in the tastes, smells, and sights of Europe's early modern culinary world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in culinary history, cultural studies, or the material culture of early modern Europe.

Dimension: 7 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781941792360