Histoire de la Table

This beautifully illustrated volume gives an historical overview of European dining customs from the Middle Ages through present day. Many pages feature artworks depicting dining scenes paired with photographs of food and drink related objects from the time period to provide a sumptuous picture of “la table” through the ages. The French text gives detailed information on eating habits as well as tablewares including porcelain, glassware, silverware, textiles, and even furniture. This book is part of the National Museum of American History Library’s Home & Community Life collection. The curatorial staff find such encyclopedic volumes useful in researching and providing context for objects in the museum collections.