“[These recipes] shed light on aspects of social life related to food preparation and eating at the time. Here we are given intriguing, sometimes alluring quotes, on processes of preparation and what the Mesopotamians ate. Often the author has to patch and bridge from the fragmentary bits; what certain items and methods might have been, but he does this with the support of his considerable scholarship, and with a flare that suggests that M. Bottéro must be an accomplished cook himself. These rare recipes carefully reconstructed and sometimes deduced can seem surprisingly modern, yet this book is ever fascinating. . . . It makes one yearn to know more about these ancient sophisticates, as revealed in the swirling robes and haughty profiles of reliefs in the British Museum and in Berlin. Economically illustrated, with neat chapter headings, it is elegantly presented. The engaging chapters go from the practical to the mythical. Truly a wonderful read.”

History Today

“An enticing new book of Ancient Mesopotamian recipes.”

Times

“In this well-structured volume, Bottéro shares the vast scope of his knowledge of ancient Mesopotamian cuisine. Although meticulously documented for the scholar and student, its lucid text also appeals directly to the adventurous home cook whether he/she wishes to recreate a meal of muddulu (salted meat) or a vegetarian <I>sipku<I> (porridge). If it is true that ‘we are what we eat’ then this book brings us closer to the human side of those who produced one of the first great civilizations to evolve on our planet.”

Leonard, author of "Ancient Naukratis"