It is roughly divided in two. The first part is about everything to do with food in Jane Austen's time, what they ate, and when they ate, how they made it, what they wore when they ate and lots and lots of interesting information like that. The second part concerns food as a symbol - those who pity Marianne when she marries the old Colonel Brandon should remember his (still fruitful) mulberry tree and be comforted, and "vaguer" things like that - it is also interesting, but the first part is absolutely brilliant.

Things to learn: How to make syllabub, what does Mrs. Bennett mean by "two full courses", how does Aunt Philips betray her vulgarity by inviting guests for cards and supper, why are the Bates's apples baked twice?

It teaches you about all of society, not just about food. Perfect for people like me, who love background material!