Book excerpt: 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 supplies? How far did the food industry contribute to improved living conditions in cities? What influence did urban consumers have? Food and the City in Europe since 1800 also examines issues of food hygiene and health impacts in cities, looks at various food innovations and how ’new’ foods often first gained acceptance in cities, and explores how eating fashions have changed over the centuries.