The Hungry Empire cover art

The Hungry Empire

How Britain's Quest for Food Shaped the Modern World

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The Hungry Empire

By: Lizzie Collingham
Narrated by: Jilly Bond
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About this listen

In 20 meals The Hungry Empire tells the story of how the British created a global network of trade in foodstuffs that moved people and plants from one continent to another, reshaping landscapes and culinary tastes.

To be British was to eat the world. The empire allowed Britain to harness the globe’s edible resources from salt beef to sugar. By the 20th century the wheat to make the working man’s loaf of bread was supplied by Canada, and his Sunday leg of lamb had been fattened on New Zealand’s grasslands.

Lizzie Collingham takes us on a wide-ranging culinary journey, revealing how virtually every meal we eat still contains a taste of empire.

©2017 Lizzie Collingham (P)2018 Isis Publishing Ltd Europe Great Britain Politics & Government World England Imperialism Latin American Africa Capitalism

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All stars
Most relevant
this wonderful book taught me so much about about the way food drove the empire and the way the empire drove the world. with just a short flick of information at the end it indicates how we're in the position we are in now.

spectacular book. A must read.

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As a food a producer it has answered so many questions. It is a thoroughly enjoyable book, well written and narrated. Thank you for mentioning the Scotland’s national dish.

Fascinating

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So much information to take in , I did find it overwhelming at times. And it also left me with that guilty feeling about Britain’s role in distorting and destroying native cultures and food habits. I hope we can change that approach in any future dealings.
But fascinating nonetheless.

Dense and disturbing story

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Excellent. it gallops along at a good pace but with focus and nice detailed examples throughout.

Very enjoyable

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Somethings I was aware of already but a great romp through the food and the British empire. Suffice to say, we owe the former colonies such a lot.

Most enjoyable

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