Laura Mason

Author and food historian

A glance into the world of the 17th century aristocratic gentleman. More recipes for mead than strictly necessary, but masses of detail for the culinary historian. Written as if Sir K himself was in the kitchen beside you. The edition from Prospect Books is excellent, but I wish I had a 17th century original.

Glyn Hughes

Food historian

Digby was a prodigiously capable natural philosopher who also happened to own a glass works and may have invented the wine bottle. Published in 1669, shortly after his death this, probably spurious, book includes a huge number of receipts for mead and cider drinks as well as general cookery.

Kevin Gould

Professional Food Lover