Herring: A History of the Silver Darlings

Herring has been commercially caught for over two millennia, with tens of thousands involved in the catching, processing, and sale of the fish. Fishing historian Mike Smylie explores the effects of herring on the people who caught them, their unique ways of life, superstitions, boats, and communities. The book reveals the little-known history of the herring and includes mouth-watering recipes for those who have neglected the silver darlings for lesser fish.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 30 May 2024
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

The story of herring is deeply intertwined with the history of commercial fishing, spanning over two millennia. Its significance to the coastal communities of Britain is immeasurable, with tens of thousands of people once involved in the catching, processing, and sale of herring. These hardy fishermen followed the shoals of herring around the coast, from Stornoway to Penzance, and many towns on Britain's east coast thrived on the economic prosperity brought by the "silver darlings." Fishing historian Mike Smylie delves into the impact of herring on the lives of those who caught them, their unique ways of life, the superstitions of the fisher folk, their boats, and the communities that relied on the silver darlings. This captivating book is richly illustrated and offers a fascinating glimpse into the little-known history of herring. For those who may have overlooked the silver darlings in favor of other fish like cod and haddock, there are also mouth-watering recipes to try.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803996936
Edition number: New ed