A review by literally_adele
A Timeline of Australian Food: From Mutton to Masterchef by Jan O'Connell

informative lighthearted slow-paced

4.0

 

A Timeline of Australian Food: From Mutton to MasterChef by Jan O'Connell is a comprehensive journey through the evolution of Australian cuisine. Unfortunately, potential readers might have trouble tracking it down as it is, regrettably, out of print. However, those fortunate enough to snag a copy (I bought mine on eBay) are in for a treat. Beginning with the 1860s, the book documents the shifts in food preferences, techniques, and influences that have shaped the nation's palate over the centuries. From reliance on basic provisions like mutton to the advent of multiculturalism and the explosion of food television, O’Connell celebrates the diverse and dynamic nature of Australian food culture and explores how food has played a pivotal role in defining the identity and tastes of modern Australia. 

One of the book's standout features is the handy timeline gracing the top of each page, allowing readers to effortlessly navigate the decades, immersing themselves in the various eras of Australian food culture. Another is the collection of beautiful photographs and illustrations that add a nostalgic charm and enrich the reading experience. Beyond the visuals, the writing style is engaging and accessible, and the level of detail and accuracy is impressive. 

This is no dry, scholarly treatise on the history of food in Australia. Instead, it adopts a 'Today in History' style of presentation, while still delving into the cultural and social contexts surrounding food in Australia and offering valuable insights into how food practices have evolved alongside the broader tapestry of the nation's history. I experienced several delighted moments of nostalgia, and found many of the anecdotes highly amusing, like the 'Lamington's Banquet' poem on page 73, which was hilarious. 

Surprisingly, many of the well-loved Australian dishes featured in the book have deeper roots than I had realised. This adds an extra layer of fascination for both casual food enthusiasts and those with a more profound interest in culinary history. 

If I could make one suggestion for improvement, it would be to dedicate a few pages to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cuisine before the arrival of the British and other Europeans. Overall, though, I loved this book and found it to be a fun and interesting read. O'Connell's meticulous research and passion for the subject truly shine through, making A Timeline of Australian Food not only an enjoyable read but also an invaluable resource for anyone curious about the intersection of food and history in the land Down Under.