'Review from previous edition stuffed with delightful morsels in a digestible form . essential reading for those who want to know not only what they are eating but also why it is called what it is' Independent 'Be warned - this is a dangerously fascinating book. Each time I look something up I'm side-tracked from one entry to another and lost to the world for a good half an hour or more. At least one pan has been boiled dry and black as a result.' Sophie Grigson 'Fascinating A to Z guide on the meaning, origin, and development of over 1,200 food and drink terms old and new. A must for those venturing into New World cuisines and a jolly good laid back read.' Alexander Hunt, Midweek 'Snippets and essaylets combine whimsy and erudition in equal measures. It is more lively than typical reference works, but also literate, factually sure-footed, and useful.

' Michael Raffael, Sunday Telegraph 'Did you know that lasagne ultimately comes from a word meaning chamber pot? I love this sort of dotty reference book, useful for crossword puzzles and general browsing.' Jennifer Patterson, London Evening Standard 'wickedly amusing' New Statesman; Society 'a fascinating book . a comprehensive account of the meaning and origins of foods and drinks' Leicester Mercury 'Thanks to John Ayto's dictionary . for these thoughts on haggis - and for many other stimulating suggestions on the names for other foodstuffs.' Daily Telegraph 'an olla podrida of entertaining and recondite information' Observer 'the book itself is fascinating, the kind of dip-into reference work that has you happily browsing an hour later . Every kitchen - or bedroom - shelf should have this book.' Lesley Garner, Sunday Telegraph 'A quirky, irresistible volume' Good Book Guide.