What Would Shakespeare Eat?

There are different ways of studying history. Gardeners are often interested in learning more about fruits, herbs, and other plants. We want to know where the plants came from, what species people grew, and how they used them.

One interesting way to learn about plants is to look at gardening history and literature. Shakespeare is an obvious example. In his plays and poetry, he made frequent reference to fruits, foods, flowers, and herbs of his time. The Soupsong website features quotes from Shakespeare and others with lots of information on herbs.

"Food, Drink and Identity-Cooking, Eating and Drinking in Europe Since the Middle Ages" is an intriguing book that presents a history of food in a reader-friendly style. Edited by Peter Scholliers, it was published by Berg Publishers.

It provides details of the latest research into foodways and food history. The authors look at a range of topics on everything from the consumption of sugar by the new middle class to the diet of the nobility and working class. They focus specifically on how food habits can change over time and what that has to do with cultural identity.

When looking at gardening history, an overlooked source is letters. Happily, this situation has changed with the publication of "Forget not Mee & My Garden..." This remarkable volume is a goldmine of information on plant history. It features nearly two hundred of naturalist Peter Collinson's letters dating from 1725-1768.

Published by the American Philosophical Society, it was edited by Alan W. Armstrong. Though Collinson was a very successful London businessman, he is best remembered for the plants he introduced from the colonial territories to England, Europe, and elsewhere. At an early age, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society As a naturalist and scientist, he had tremendous influence on the field of botany and the other sciences. The book is wonderfully illustrated with art, botanical drawings, and photos of historical interest.

America offered special challenges and lots of adventures to plant hunters and naturalists. The role these individuals played is beautifully told in "Early American Naturalists Exploring the American West, 1804-1900" by John Moring, published by Cooper Square Press. Among the featured naturalists are Lewis and Clark, Asa Gray, John Muir, and John Torrey. Unfortunately, some of the explorers perished as a result of their efforts. David Douglas, John Townsend, and others died accidental deaths in the field while on collecting trips.

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