The Pleasures of the Table An Account of Gastronomy from Ancient Days to Present Times. With a History of Its Literature, Schools, and Most Distinguished Artists; Together With Some Special Recipes, and Views Concerning the Aesthetics of Dinners and Dinner-giving

"The Pleasures of the Table" by George H. Ellwanger is a journey through time, exploring the world of food, its historical transformation, and the great minds that shaped its path. The book doesn’t just talk about recipes; it shows us the beauty and importance of eating well across different ages, highlighting that cooking is a skill and an art. It suggests that while we've gotten better at cooking in some ways, many people still have issues with what they eat, stressing the need for tasty meals and good health. Instead of just giving more cooking lessons, Ellwanger sets out to gather the best recipes and food ideas from the olden days, promising stories of fancy dinners and food from long ago.