Cheese is among the most ancient and nourishing of civilized foods. Despite its many uses and variations, however, there has never been a global history of cheese. Here at last is a succinct, authoritative account of not only how cheese was invented but also where, when and why. Learn about the most ancient varieties of cheese and the first written description of the cheese-making process; the luxury cheeses of classical Rome; the medieval rule of thumb for identifying good cheese and the amazing story of how one cheese-loving novelist saved his Parmesan from the Great Fire of London. Explore how our shared passion for cheese as human beings impacted the early establishment of global trade, and if real cheese can survive the current imperative to globalize and sterilize all our food. Packed with entertaining facts, anecdotes and images, Cheese also features a selection of historic recipes. For those who love their stinky Stilton, salty pecorino and creamy paneer, this book is the perfect snack.