Crunch: The History of Crisps

Both fascinating social history and a beguiling account of an obsession . . . It’s a triumph.

An absolute tour de force; a crisp, golden triumph of salty scholarship. I devoured it until the very last crumb and then licked the packet.

This book is full of tasty morsels . . . A great present for the snacky gourmand.

Everyone knows the dowdy potato snack, but reading [this] book on them has reignited a personal journey and taken my intake to hitherto unseen levels . . . Unlike crisps, it’s nourishing – fascinating to learn of the human endeavour, all the science that’s gone into them. But, just like crisps, it’s also comforting – in that it’s good to know I’m not the only one with such strong feelings about them. . . I highly recommend.

Whittle’s gift for storytelling elevates Crunch to something of real literary substance . . . She’s thorough, whether detailing the logistics of industrial production or analysing the class implications of posh crisps. In equal parts fun and intelligent, Crunch has the satisfying flavour of Ready Salted, not the confused, try-hard air of Cheese Toastie with Heinz Baked Beans.

Crunch balances the highbrow and low: philosophy, history and behavioural psychology with the simple experience of the crisp-lover. . . An affectionate look at why crisps inspire the fandom that they do and an intelligent and entertaining examination of the part they have played in shaping our national identity.