Eliza Acton: The Pioneer of Modern Cookbooks
This episode discusses the life and contributions of Eliza Acton, a Victorian poet who unexpectedly authored the world's first cookbook aimed at home cooks. The hosts highlight Acton's significant innovations in recipe writing, emphasizing practical and detailed instructions that were revolutionary at the time. The episode also touches on the history of publishing, the eventual overshadowing of Acton's work by Mrs. Beeton's plagiarized book, and how Acton's legacy is being revived today. The discussion is filled with various anecdotes, historical context, and humorous commentary.

Sources for today are:
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/72482/72482-h/72482-h.htm
https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/discovery/history-
stories/first-woman-eliza-acton-writer-of-the-first-cook-book-
aimed-at-the-home-cook/
https://www.tonbridgehistory.org.uk/people/eliza-acton.htm
https://www.mentalfloss.com/food/eliza-acton-cookbooks-
food-history
The Language of Food by Anabel Abbs
00:00 Charlie's Delivery Job
02:14 Introducing Eliza Acton
04:17 The Golden Age of Publishing
09:07 Eliza Acton's Early Life and Poetry
15:13 The Birth of Modern Cookery
17:43 Revolutionizing Recipes: The Birth of Modern Cookbooks
19:02 The Poet and the Pragmatist: Eliza Acton's Unique Approach
19:54 Lessons in Chemistry: The Science Behind Cooking
20:35 Charming Illustrations and Personal Touches
21:39 Preventing Food Waste: A Vision Ahead of Its Time
23:27 Sassy Recipes: The Poor Author's Pudding vs. The Publisher's Pudding
24:06 The Legacy of Modern Cookery
27:16 The Unexpected Rival: Mrs. Beaton's Plagiarism
28:51 Eliza Acton's Enduring Influence
30:26 Final Thoughts and Recommendations