The Philosophy of Cheese by Patrick McGuigan

I bought this delightful little yellow book on an impulse, drawn to it by the simple illustration of cheese on its cover, and its erudite title, The Philosophy of Cheese.

After all, cheese is a serious business (as well as a personal addiction).

The Philosophy of Cheese by Patrick McGuinan (cover)

In about 100 pages, McGuigan leads us through the history of cheese. He starts with a basic introduction of what cheese is, how it’s made, and a general history of the earliest known cheese, dating to 5000 BC.

The next ten chapters focus on the stories of ten classic cheeses: Feta, Pecorino, Munster, Parmigianino Reggiano, Brie, Roquefort and Gouda, Cheshire, Cheddar and Rogue River Blue (the youngest one in the list by millenia, and the only one I was not previously familiar with). There are stories of farmers and monks, of empires and global trade, of cheeses traded and carried across the world and of small local traditions. McGuinan cites historical texts that give detailed insights into how these cheeses were made, and place each one firmly into the context of its era of birth.

It’s dry, the material, and mostly academic in nature, yet fascinating to anyone interested in both history and cheese—as I am. It takes me back to the classic history texts I read at university (BA French & History), all carefully footnoted with references, and rigourously labelled illustrations.

With Rogue River Blue, McGuinan brings us up to date in the world of cheese, walking us through cheese-making over the last few decades. Unlike much of Europe, by the start of the 20th century  the UK and America had shrunken cheese-making traditions; much of traditional cheese-making and those who made it were gone, their artisan cheeses replaced with mass-production cheese. When cheese making experienced a renaissance in the last few decades of the millennium, our British and American cheese-makers were free to follow their taste buds and passions, unstifled by long-established traditions in their respective regions.

After the ten cheeses comes a brief chapter that echoes the title of the book: The Philosophy of the Cheeseboard, in which McGuinan shares the traditional tenets of a classic cheeseboard before encouraging us to throw them aside—I approve! Next come a few words on how to serve and store cheese, some suggestions for condiments beyond the usual chutney, and ideas for drink pairings.

McGuinan is a food journalist and cheese writer, co-founder of the London Cheese Project, and runs cheese-focused training courses at the School of Fine Food. His deep affection for and knowledge of cheese is evident on every page. It’s not a long read, this small sunny book, but it’s a lovely one—quite different to the usual food books I buy.

And at this time of year, it’s the perfect choice for a stocking filler, or as a small but meaningful gift for a lover of history and cheese.

Parmesan Cheese

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The Philosophy of Cheese by Patrick McGuinan is published by The British Library.

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5 Comments to "The Philosophy of Cheese by Patrick McGuigan"

  1. Madeleine Morrow

    I love food books that are educational, often on a niche topic like this one. I don’t eat much cheese – hard for you to imagine I expect as you say you are a cheese addict – but enjoy reading about it nonetheless. When I do indulge, I like to savour something really special so this book would be handy as a guide.

    Reply
  2. Nicole Hunter

    We are a cheese loving family so I love the idea of this book for my husband and his Xmas stocking. I would love to read about the history of cheese as well. How unusual! Thank you for a great recommendation.

    Reply
  3. Alex Ryder

    I love history and food as a combination so bring it on. I studied history at uni and if I’d have known that food was going to become such a big part of my life, I’d definitely have continued to study a masters in food history. If I win the lottery, I’m definitely going to quit the day job and do that.

    Anyway – CHEESE. I love it!

    Reply
  4. Georgina @ Culinary Travels

    Cheese is one of the best foods. I couldn’t be without it. I find it really interesting to look into the history of foods, it is a subject I wish I had more time to peruse. Anyhow, this is something I really need to read.

    Reply
  5. Katie

    I have to admit I don’t know much about the history of cheese. I think this book would be best acompanied by a cheese board!

    Reply

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