The Philosopher’s Kitchen – Recipes from Ancient Greece and Rome for the Modern Cool by Francine Segan

From cover notes: “Pleasure is the beginning and end of living happily,” said the Greek philosopher Epicurus two thousand years ago. Certainly, the dazzlingly varied, subtly seasoned cuisine of ancient Greece and Rome measured up to the highest standards of eating pleasure. The Philosopher’s Kitchen offers seductive, modern interpretations of these dishes using a variety of sources, from writings by Plato, Aristotle, Homer, and Cicero to the oldest known surviving cookbook.   Francine Segan also allows us a glimpse into the ancient world by putting each recipe in its cultural context, taking us to Greek feasts and Roman banquets and revealing customs, expressions, and superstitions that are still very much a part of modern life. She shares tips on entertaining, even including sample invitations a host can use to summon friends to a Roman spread of his or her own. Organized for easy, efficient use and replete with Tim Turner’s stunning photographs, The Philosopher’s Kitchen is a glorious buffet for the senses, providing literal food for thought.” On offer is a previously owned 2008 first edition hardback with dust jacket, both in like new condition.