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  • A Cheesemonger's History of the British Isles

  • By: Ned Palmer
  • Narrated by: Ned Palmer
  • Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (12 ratings)

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A Cheesemonger's History of the British Isles

By: Ned Palmer
Narrated by: Ned Palmer
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Summary

The Top 10 Sunday Times best seller

Shortlisted for the André Simon Food and Drink Book Awards for 2019

Every cheese tells a story. Whether it's a fresh young goat's cheese or a big, beefy 18-month-old Cheddar, each variety holds the history of the people who first made it, from the builders of Stonehenge to medieval monks, from the Stilton-makers of the 18th century to the factory cheesemakers of the Second World War.

Cheesemonger Ned Palmer takes us on a delicious journey across Britain and Ireland and through time to uncover the histories of beloved old favourites like Cheddar and Wensleydale and fresh innovations like the Irish Cashel Blue or the rambunctious Renegade Monk. Along the way, we learn the craft and culture of cheesemaking from the eccentric and engaging characters who have revived and reinvented farmhouse and artisan traditions. And we get to know the major cheese styles - the blues, washed rinds, semi-softs and, unique to the British Isles, the territorials - and discover how best to enjoy them, on a cheeseboard with a glass of Riesling, or as a Welsh rarebit alongside a pint of Pale Ale.

This is a cheesemonger's odyssey, a celebration of history, innovation and taste - and the book all cheese and history lovers will want to devour this Christmas.

©2019 Stephen Palmer (P)2019 Hachette Audio UK
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Critic reviews

"A beautifully textured tour around the cheeseboard." (Simon Garfield, 'Full of Flavour' Sunday Times)

"A delightful and informative romp." (Bee Wilson, Guardian)

"His encounters with modern-day practitioners fizz with infectious delight." (John Walsh, Sunday Times)

What listeners say about A Cheesemonger's History of the British Isles

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Ned’s a natural

I was directed to this book after hearing Ned interviewed on the Joe Marler show as it sounded like a slightly mad, heavily skewed accounting of British history through a lens of cheese.

Which it is.

Which is exactly what I wanted.

Tongue in cheek, very informative, light hearted and engaging. The perfect audiobook?

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This will be my go-to reference book for a while

I really enjoyed this audiobook; I honestly learnt a lot of stuff; some of my notions about british cheeses have been challenged and I am very happy about it!

I knew of Neal's Yard Dairy before and I have often purchased small producers' cheeses at my local farmers' market, but this book will help me to relate their production to the regions they come from etc... I was also surprised to find out there had been such a large production of local cheeses in the past. And I found the way the author describes how various socio-political events / periods have influenced production and presentation of the local products...

Being French, this 'education' is done seamlessly from a young age, by tasting different cheeses at the dinner table.... I have often asked british friends who come from outside London about their local produce but it is very very rare to find people who are interested / able to talk about stuff like that. This book is going to be a companion to me for a while, a reference!

Read by the author; Ned Palmer does a great job. Recommended.

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Thoroughly entertaining

I had to keep relistening to sections as it's packed with fascinating information, beautifully read by the author.

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