Uhtred’s Feast: Inside the world of The Last Kingdom

Product Information

The Last Kingdomis based on a long-running series of novels by Bernard Cornwell titled The Saxon Stories, which spans 13 books. The Netflix show only covered the first 10 of them, which is where the movie comes in; it will combine events from Cornwell’s final three books to wrap up Uhtred’s story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to readers who love this time period, wish to learn about the history and cuisine and especially lovers of The Last Kingdom. The final Last Kingdom book was published in 2020, but for the author the story felt unfinished: there were some Uhtred tales he still wanted to tell, and over the course of writing the books he'd become fascinated by some elements of the Anglo-Saxon world that it wasn't possible to fully explore in the novels. After an outstanding series of novels, featuring Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom series came to an end in 2020. However, here we have a curious new book from Cornwell featuring 80 Anglo-Saxon recipes by Suzanne Pollak, some wonderful historical insights & three brand new short stories featuring the legendary Uhtred. I am such a fan of Uhtred and Bernard Cornwell’s, Last Kingdom series, I will read anything - even a recipe book! I will say from the outset that it is disappointing reviewers are unhappy with only short stories, or that there are recipe’s included - did they not read the blurb? If you go in with your eyes open, then I think this is a fantastic book that lovers of Saxon times are sure to revel in!The birth of England has been and is one of my great interests,” Cornwell said in a statement. “After two decades immersed in Anglo-Saxon history – an intense period of warring kingdoms and political rivalry – it is a pleasure to share some new stories of Uhtred throughout this time and present sides of life even beyond battle” I've been a Bernard Cornwell fan for years and have every one of his books and have enjoyed them all. This is definitely not one of his best. It is time to let the character of Uhtred rest. As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War. Cornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.

It’s a pretty exciting time for fans of The Last Kingdom. After a successful five-season run on Netflix, the popular historical drama will return next month with the film Seven Kings Must Die, which will wrap up the long journey of Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Here’s the official description of Uhtred’s Feast from Cornwell’s publisher HarperCollins, which sheds a bit more light on what exactly readers (or aspiring medieval chefs) can expect: The Last Kingdom is one of the most successful historical fiction series of our time. The novels tell the epic story of the birth of England and introduces one of the greatest ever fictional heroes: the iconic Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the Saxon-born, Norse-raised warrior and rebel. In this lively compendium, Bernard Cornwell revisits Uhtred’s realm, illuminating elements of the Anglo-Saxon world he couldn’t fully explore in his novels. My name is Uhtred. I am the son of Uhtred, who was the son of Uhtred and his father was also called Uhtred . . . The best battle scenes of any writer I’ve ever read, past or present. Cornwell really makes history come alive” - George R.R. Martin

Strong narrative, vigourous action and striking characterisation, Cornwell remains king of the territory he has staked out as his own' SUNDAY TIMES - Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia. Over the course of writing the Last Kingdom series, Bernard Cornwell discovered an increasing fascination for the Anglo-Saxon world: its people, their culture, and their domestic lives beyond the battlefield. And so when he met renowned chef Suzanne Pollak, someone with a passion for Anglo-Saxon cookery, Uhtred’s Feast was born.

When he met renowned chef Suzanne Pollak, the idea for Uhtred’s Feast was born. And here Bernard Cornwell tells those additional Uhtred stories, showing us the man behind the shield – as a young boy, as Alfred’s advisor, and as prince – while Suzanne brings his world to life through beautifully crafted recipes which open a door into the Anglo-Saxon home . .Definitely a book for those who want to complete their Uhtred collection but by no means one of the best ones. It is exactly as advertised, so no complaints there. I knew going in that a lot of the book was going to be factual food information and associated recipes. I’ve always found that topic mildly interesting without being fascinated by it, so the fact that it fills about half the book meant it was never going to get 5 stars from me. I’m sure the recipes are fine and that those really interested in such things will thoroughly enjoy them.