Andrew Dalby Books

The narrative follows a couple who trade their conventional lifestyle for the adventurous life of sailing off the west coast of Scotland. Documenting their experiences aboard a yacht, the book explores the challenges and joys of living at sea, showcasing the beauty of the Scottish coastline and the couple's journey of self-discovery and resilience. Through vivid storytelling, it captures the essence of freedom and the emotional highs and lows of their nautical life.

An ordinary couple embarks on a transformative journey after selling their house and buying a sailing yacht, seeking adventure beyond the daily grind. Their experiences, chronicled in a journal, blend humor and tragedy as they navigate life at sea off the west coast of Scotland. The narrative captures their motivations and reflections, enriched with literary quotes and the author's whimsical poems. This unique blend of travel writing, poetry, and philosophical musings offers a distinctive perspective on pursuing a life of freedom and exploration.

Exploring a range of complex themes, this poetry collection delves into sensuality, sexuality, and political statements. It represents the culmination of two years of dedicated work, showcasing various forms that invite readers to engage with its diverse subjects. The author expresses a heartfelt hope that the audience will find enjoyment in this intimate and thought-provoking journey through poetry.

Exploring the rich history of breakfast, this book delves into its diverse cultural significance across different regions and eras. Tracing the meal's origins from the Neolithic revolution through ancient civilizations to modern practices, it reveals how breakfast has been depicted in literature, art, and personal narratives. The author shares intriguing anecdotes and facts, illustrating breakfast's role in social interactions and daily routines. Additionally, it includes a variety of traditional and contemporary recipes, making it a perfect companion for breakfast enthusiasts.

"Siren Feasts" by Andrew Dalby explores the rich social history of Greek food, tracing its evolution from ancient times through classical Greece to modern cuisine. The book examines how Greek culinary traditions absorbed influences while maintaining their uniqueness, highlighting the cultural significance of various foods across different eras.

The Greek Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos (1864-1936) was one of the stars of the Paris Peace Conference, impressing many of the Western delegates, already possessed of a romantic view of 'the grandeur that was Greece', with his charm and oratorical style.

This illustrated cookbook offers a unique insight into what people were eating in Shakespeare's time, featuring 50 original menus and recipes from 16th and 17th century cookbooks, alongside food-related quotes from Shakespeare's canon.

Exploring the origins of the Odyssey and the Iliad, Andrew Dalby questions the traditional understanding of Homer and the legend of Troy. He examines the transition of these epic tales from oral tradition to written form, challenging previous interpretations of early evidence. Dalby presents a compelling argument that both epics are the creations of a single poet, ultimately concluding that this enigmatic figure was likely a woman, offering a fresh perspective that may astonish classical scholars.

Gifts of the Gods: A History of Food in Greece is a comprehensive history of Greek food from prehistoric times to the 21st century. The book reveals the many links between ancient and modern, and features numerous recipes, firmly based in Greek tradition, which the reader can try at home.