THIS is a sumptuous book published in association with Historic Royal Palaces, London.

It takes us on a journey through the ages of royal dining and in doing so reveals much in the lives of British Royalty.

While it discusses the excessive banquets arrayed for Royalty and their guests, in a detail that makes us wonder how they managed to eat all the delicacies and dishes that are unusual today, we are told that the monarch would have consultants watching over the offerings and advising what should and should not be eaten to suit a particular taste and diet.

As we are taken through this journey we see glimpses of the country’s history thus creating the atmosphere in which these banquets took place.

It is a fascinating journey, which will hold your attention by a readable text supported by a wealth of colour illustrations.