Pietro Frassica
An eloquent and thoroughly researched account of that famous proverb 'do not let the peasant know how good cheese is with pears,' wherein the history and pleasure of the table unite. More than a tribute to this delightful combination, this book is a cultural history that explores social and economic relations fashioned from a seemingly innocent alliance, providing a lens through which to view social conflict.
— Pietro Frassica, Princeton University
Luigi Ballerini
Massimo Montanari is an incredibly elegant writer, capable of handling the most laboriously researched topics with disquieting stylistic grace. He is the perfect embodiment of both unsurpassable competence and rhetorical virtuosity.
— Luigi Ballerini, University of California, Los Angeles
Ken Albala
A remarkable essay in gastrohermeneutics, Massimo Montanari succinctly unravels a puzzle of a proverb, utilizing a stunning array of primary sources, from medical theory and cookbooks to agronomic and literary texts. Surprising and fascinating discoveries on the social meaning of food are revealed. While reading, a wedge of cheese and sliced pears are highly recommended.
— Ken Albala, University of the Pacific, author of The Banquet: Dining in the Great Courts of Late Renaissance Europe
