Using a three-part structure focused on the major historical subjects of the Inquisition, the Reformation and witchcraft, Christopher Kissane examines the relationship between food and religion in early modern Europe.Food, Religion and Communities in Early Modern Europe employs three key case studies in Castile, Zurich and Shetland to explore what food can reveal about the wider social and cultural history of early modern communities undergoing religious upheaval. Issues of identity, gender, cultural symbolism and community relations are analysed in a number of different contexts. The book also surveys the place of food in history and argues the need for historians not only to think more about food, but also withfood in order to gain novel insights into historical issues.This is an important study for food historians and anyone seeking to understand the significant issues and events in early modern Europe from a fresh perspective.

Includes 30 images and interesting theoretical arguments relating to the place of food in history and the use of food history in wider analysis

List of FiguresList of TablesAcknowledgementsList of Abbreviations1. Introduction: Food and HistoryPart I - Food and Inquisition2. 'The Foods of a Christian': Food, Religion and Inquisition3. Kitchens and Neighbours: Food, Gender and Community in Inquisition CastilePart II - Food and Reformation4. 'The Eaters': Fast-Breaking Protest in Early Reformation Zürich5. 'Sausage-Makers and 'Cheese-Hunters': The Cultural Context of Fast-BreakingPart III - Food and Witchcraft6. Dining with Demons: Food, Witchcraft and Evil7. 'Plain Hunger and Necessity': Food, Fear and Community8. Conclusions: Thinking about Food, Thinking with FoodBibliographyIndex