A Learned Dissertation on Dumpling (1726) [and] Pudding and Dumpling Burnt to Pot. Or a Compleat Key to the Dissertation on Dumpling (1727)

"A Learned Dissertation on Dumpling" by Henry Carey is a witty exploration of dumplings that cleverly uses food to comment on the politics and society of 18th-century Britain. Through humorous historical accounts starting with Julius Caesar's supposed introduction of dumplings to Britain, the author crafts a playful yet critical view of corruption, social favoritism, and public life. The narrative, featuring characters like Sir John Pudding representing major political figures, blends culinary tales with political jabs, portraying how their desires mirror corruption and status in society. Carey blends cooking and a comical style to create a narrative that is both a tribute to simple pleasure and a mirror of the political landscape of the time.