Food historian Emma Kay tells the story of our centuries-old relationship with herbs. From herbalists of old to contemporary cooking, this book reveals the magical and medicinal properties of your favourite plants in colourful, compelling detail. At one time, every village in Britain had a herbalist. A History of Herbalism investigates the lives of women and men who used herbs to administer treatment and knew the benefit of each. Meet Dr Richard Shephard of Preston, who cultivated angelica on his estate in the eighteenth century for the sick and injured; or Nicholas Culpeper, a botanist who catalogued the pharmaceutical benefits of herbs for early literary society. But herbs were not only medicinal. Countless cultures and beliefs as far back as prehistoric times incorporated herbs into their practices: paganism, witchcraft, religion and even astrology. Take a walk through a medieval physick' garden, or Early Britain, and learn the ancient rituals to fend off evil powers, protect or bewitch or even attract a lover. The wake of modern medicine saw a shift away from herbal treatments, with rituals and spells shrouded with superstition as the years wore on. The author reveals how herbs became more culinary rather than medicinal including accounts of recent trends for herbal remedies as lockdown and the pandemic leads us to focus more on our health and wellbeing.

_A Dark History of Chocolate_ looks at our long relationship with this ancient 'food of the Gods'. The book examines the impact of the cocoa bean trade on the economies of Britain and the rest of Europe, as well as its influence on health, cultural and social trends over the centuries. Renowned food historian Emma Kay takes a look behind the facade of chocolate - first as a hot drink and then as a sweet - delving into the murky and mysterious aspects of its phenomenal global growth, from a much-prized hot beverage in pre-Colombian Central America to becoming an integral part of the cultural fabric of modern life. From the seductive corridors of Versailles, serial killers, witchcraft, medicine and war to its manufacturers, the street sellers, criminal gangs, explorers and the arts, chocolate has played a significant role in some of the world's deadliest and gruesome histories. If you thought chocolate was all Easter bunnies, romance and gratuity, then you only know half the story. This most ancient of foods has a heritage rooted in exploitation, temptation and mystery. With the power to be both life-giving and ruinous.

The British have been baking for centuries. Here, for the first time, is a comprehensive account of how our relationship with this much-loved art has changed, evolved and progressed over time. Renowned food historian and author, Emma Kay, skilfully combines the related histories of Britain's economy, innovation, technology, health, cultural and social trends with the personal stories of many of the individuals involved with the whole process: the early pioneers, the recipe writers, the cooks, the entrepreneurs. The result is a deliciously fascinating read, one that will prove to be juicer than the juiciest of juicy baked goods.

Readers may be surprised to learn the real origins of Lancashire hotpot and discover that some of those all-time-favourites like Jelly Babies, Vimto, and Fox's biscuits all have their roots in the county. While Eccles and Chorley cakes are well-known Lancashire staples, gingerbread production and simnel cakes are also at the heart of the county's baking heritage. Together with big names such as Richmond sausages and Hartley's jam, there is a surprise for everyone in this book, revealing the identities of numerous best-loved British culinary classics based in Lancashire. Author Emma Kay looks at the regional fare and dishes that have characterised Lancashire over the years, picking out the many interesting stories that contribute to this county's food and drink narrative. Alongside its traditional food festivals and products, the county boasts diverse food and drink markets and well-known producers and cooks. Foots, Lonks and Wet Nellies will appeal to all those who are interested in the history of Lancashire and its food and drink legacy.

Gloucestershire is a large county, rich in food and drink heritage. Famous for Double Gloucester cheese and the cheese rolling event, Old Spot pigs, cider and the birthplace of prominent tea merchant Thomas Twining, Gloucestershire's culinary history is both colourful and diverse. Nutcrack Sunday and Puppy Dog Pie (don't worry, it hasn't always been made from cute canines), ancient markets and progressive agriculturists represent just a few of the many interesting stories that contribute to this county's food and drink narrative. In this book Emma Kay looks at the regional fare and dishes that have characterised Gloucestershire over the years, as well as its food and drink markets and famous producers and cooks. Stinking Bishops and Spotty Pigs: Gloucestershire's Food and Drink will appeal to all those who are interested in the history of Gloucestershire and its food and drink heritage.