A Matter of Taste

This book takes an irreverent look the development of Britain's national tastes. The eclectic scope of the book includes a discussion of the wine list at the coronation of George VI, the impact of French Chateau legislation in 1855 upon the obsessive Victorian claret fiends of the day, the explosion of Hock as the typical plonk of the 1970s, and the many frauds, marketing ploys, and outrages perpetrated on the traditionally naive British market over the years. Lavishly illustrated with paintings, photographs, labels, and woodcuts, this light-hearted journey through the cultural history of wine is a wonderful book for anyone who enjoys a glass or two.