Feast & fast : the art of food in Europe, 1500 - 1800 / edited by Victoria Avery and Melissa Calaresu.

"Food defines us as individuals, communities, and nations - we are what we eat and, equally, what we don't eat. When, where, why, how and with whom we eat are crucial to our identity. 'Feast and Fast' presents novel approaches to understanding the history and culture of food and eating in early modern Europe. ... This richly illustrated book showcases hidden and newly-conserved treasures from the Fitzwilliam Museum and other collections in and around Cambridge, and re-contextualizes them through historically accurate recreations. It teases out many contemporary and controversial issues - such as the origins of food and food security, overconsumption in times of austerity, and our relationship with animals and nature - through short, research-led entries by some of the world's leading cultural and food historians. 'Feast and Fast' explores food-related objects, images, and texts from the past in innovative ways and encourages us to rethink our evolving relationship with food."-- Front flap of printed paper wrapper.