Herring

For such a small fish, the herring has played an enormous role in history. Since the Middle Ages battles have been waged for it; international economic alliances have formed over it; a number of major cities owe their initial prosperities and structural foundations to it. Unquestionably, political powers have risen and fallen with the herring’s own rise and fall in population.

In Herring: A Global History Kathy Hunt looks at the environmental, historical, political and culinary background of this highly prolific, delicious and easily caught fish. It will appeal to food lovers, history buffs and anyone who has ever eaten British kippers, German Bismarcks, Dutch matjes or Jewish chopped herring.