The Forme of Cury
๐ About This Book
The Forme of Cury By Samuel Pegge Forme of Cury was the name given by Samuel Pegge to a roll of cookery written by the Master Cooks of King Richard II of England. This name has since come into usage for almost all versions of the original manuscript. It is by far the most well known medieval guide to cooking. We are delighted to publish this classic book as part of our extensive Classic Library collection. Many of the books in our collection have been out of print for decades, and therefore have not been accessible to the general public. The aim of our publishing program is to facilitate rapid access to this vast reservoir of literature, and our view is that this is a significant literary work, which deserves to be brought back into print after many decades. The contents of the vast majority of titles in the Classic Library have been scanned from the original works. To ensure a high quality product, each title has been meticulously hand curated by our staff. Our philosophy has been guided by a desire to provide the reader with a book that is as close as possible to ownership of the original work. We hope that you will enjoy this wonderful classic work, and that for you it becomes an enriching experience. The Forme of Cury, The Forme of Cury book, The Forme of Cury pdf, The Forme of Cury epub
๐ Summary
The Forme of Cury, edited and presented by Samuel Pegge, serves as a remarkable portal into the culinary world of medieval England. Originally a roll of cookery compiled by the master cooks of King Richard II, this text stands as the most famous medieval guide to cooking in existence. Through Samuel Pegge's historical framing, modern readers are granted rare access to a document that has largely remained out of print and inaccessible to the general public for decades. The work captures the sophisticated and elaborate nature of elite dining during the reign of Richard II, showcasing how royal kitchens operated and what kinds of ingredients, preparations, and aesthetics defined a medieval feast. Within these pages, readers encounter a fascinating array of recipes and culinary instructions that reflect the tastes, hierarchy, and resourcefulness of a bygone era. While contemporary readers might find the language and stylistic conventions challenging, the book functions as a vital literary and historical artifact that bridges the gap between modern gastronomy and medieval court life. By bringing this text back into circulation, the publication preserves a significant piece of cultural heritage, allowing culinary historians, medieval enthusiasts, and curious readers alike to explore the foundational texts of English cookery. The recipes and notes compiled by Pegge provide an authentic look at how food was conceptualized and prepared centuries ago, emphasizing that cooking has long been an art form driven by creativity, status, and tradition. Ultimately, The Forme of Cury is more than just a historical cookbook; it is a time capsule that invites us to sit at the royal tables of King Richard II and experience the rich flavors and history of medieval England.
๐ฏ Key Lessons
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Pros
Provides rare access to an otherwise hard-to-find historical manuscript.
Serves as the most well-known medieval guide to cooking.
Offers genuine cultural and historical insight into medieval England.
Brings significant literary works back into the hands of the general public.
โ ๏ธ Cons
The historical language and formatting may be difficult for casual readers to navigate.
It functions more as a historical document than a practical modern cookbook.
โ๏ธ About the Author
โ FAQ
Who wrote The Forme of Cury? +
The original roll was written by the Master Cooks of King Richard II of England, and it was later presented and edited by Samuel Pegge.
What is the main focus of the book? +
The book focuses on medieval cooking guides, recipes, and culinary practices from the royal courts of England.
When was this edition published? +
This particular edition was published in 2018 as part of a classic library collection.
Why was this book brought back into print? +
It was republished to make this significant literary and historical work accessible to the general public after decades of being out of print.
Is this book suitable for modern cooking? +
While it contains historical recipes, it serves primarily as a literary and historical guide rather than a modern kitchen cookbook.


