Uhtred's Feast - by Bernard Cornwell (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this engaging work of social history and culinary exploration, New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell, "the most prolific and successful historical novelist in the world today" (Wall Street Journal), completes his epic Last Kingdom series with this historical companion book featuring three exclusive short stories and sixty recipes that bring Uhtred's world to life as never before.

My name is Uhtred. I am the son of Uhtred, who was the son of Uhtred and his father was also called Uhtred . . .

The Last Kingdom is one of the most successful historical fiction series of our time. The novels tell the epic story of the birth of England and introduces one of the greatest ever fictional heroes: the iconic Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the Saxon-born, Norse-raised warrior and rebel. In this lively compendium, Bernard Cornwell revisits Uhtred's realm, illuminating elements of the Anglo-Saxon world he couldn't fully explore in his novels.

Uhtred's Feast offers rich background on the books of the Last Kingdom series, presenting a fascinating, detailed view of Anglo-Saxon and Viking life in all its splendor, danger, and beauty. With his narrative flair, Cornwell explores every aspect of this historical period, from the clothes to weapons to food, offering beautifully crafted recipes of early Anglo-Saxon fare, created by renowned UK chef Suzanne Pollak. In addition, he has written three new stories exclusive to this book that reveal the man behind the shield--Uhtred as a young boy, as Alfred's advisor, and as prince.

Review Quotes

"Cornwell's prose is a pleasure to read, and the food facts are fun." - Kirkus Reviews

"Absolutely fascinating . . . . an illuminating history of Uhtred's people is interwoven with background about Cornwell's popular series of novels. Cornwell is a fine storyteller, and this rich, beautifully written book is a guaranteed must- read for his legion of fans." - Booklist

"Uhtred's Feast is different from other books in the Last Kingdom series. . . . If you are curious about what the Anglo-Saxons ate you ought to consider this book. . . . You might find some of the 60 recipes worth following for a delightful Anglo-Saxon meal." - New York Journal of Books

"For anyone interested in trying a recipe from the Dark Ages, Uhtred's Feast offers a sundry of recipes for a celebration steeped in rich traditions and engaging tales about a pagan warrior's first victory in childhood, his relationship to the Christian King Alfred, and a battle in his later years." - Historical Novels Review

"For fans of Uhtred, the meat or mead of this book is a chance to return, however briefly, to much-missed characters." - Historical Novel Society

"For fans of the Last Kingdom series, which was also a hit Netflix series, the highlight of the book is likely to be the three short stories that cover three periods in Uhtred's life." - Cape Cod Chronicle

"Uhtred's Feast is an entertaining introduction to the kitchens and the history of a long-ago and often obscure historical epoch." - Epoch Times