A Twist in the Tail

'A must-read for anchovy obsessives.'

'A riveting, globe-trotting fish tale that follows the ebb and flow of the anchovy's influence, and recounts how it has divided and united people around the table for millennia.'

'As someone who was sure he hated anchovies and now is a fan, I can't imagine a better way to learn the history of my secret culinary weapon. A Twist in the Tail offers much more than I ever imagined. It's one of those rare books that is a pleasure to read while making you a little smarter in the process.'

'An entertainingly rich exploration of the inter-related culinary histories of Western Europe and the United States through the prism of the anchovy--this is my kind of book! With a distinct and amusing voice, Beckman offers beautiful information and a wider perception of the broader cultures he explores.'

'Told with remarkable erudition, a fishy tale that twists and turns around much of the Western world. A fun read that combines deep knowledge of anchovies with wit and writerly flair. Un-put-downable, even if you have no interest in food or fish!'

'Beckman takes us on a cultural adventure across the centuries, cleverly using anchovies as a barometer of changing culinary trends--from medieval theories balancing the four humours to the revolution of French sauces and nouvelle cuisine, with plenty of recipes along the way.'