The New Herring Book : The Herring Industry Board : London : nd [c.1935]

Now, I d find it a little difficult to believe that Merle Oberon, the famous actor who led a fascinating life, ever said "Aren't herrings delicious" but I am happy to stand corrected! Just to show that there is nothing new in advertising and celebrity endorsement, Merle graces the cover of the "New Herring Book", a collection of information and recipes gathered by the British Herring Industry Board based on the Strand in London. Undated, the booklet feels mid-1930s in design and tone.

 

As can be seen the booklet gives many different methods of preparing and enjoying this oily fish and its many benefits. Indeed Mrs Arthur Webb (Mable Edwards Webb) notes in her introduction "Thanks to the Herring" that she always "look upon herrings as being such accomodating fish". I suspect that fish such as herrings, and as kippers, are no longer as popular as they once were. In the absence of what is now the 'cheap meat' of say chicken, fish was often seen as a more inexpensive and more widely available food.

 

The back cover includes an interesting map of the Ports and Seasons of the Herring Fishery that shows the extent of the business and the ports that landed the catch.

Done