Twentieth century Europe went through a dramatic transition from low income populations experiencing hunger and nutritionally inadequate diets, to the recent era of over-consumption and growing numbers of overweight and obese people. By examining the trends in food history from case studies across Europe, this book offers a historical context to explain how and why this transition has occurred and what we can learn in order to try and address the vitally important issues arising from obesity in contemporary Europe.

This fascinating volume examines the impact that rapid urbanization has had upon diets and food systems throughout Western Europe over the past two centuries. Bringing together studies from across the continent, it stresses the fundamental links between key changes in European social history and food systems, food cultures and food politics. Contributors respond to a number of important questions, including: when and how did local food production cease to be sufficient for the city and when did improved transport conditions and liberal commercial relations replace local by supra-regional food...