When Rulers Dine

This book provides an insight into the gastronomic world of the kings of Poland and the grand dukes of Lithuania – Sigismund Augustus, Stephen Báthory, Sigismund Vasa, and Władysław Vasa. It explores the ingredients used in royal kitchens during the 16th and early 17th centuries, the rulers’ favorite dishes, festive menus, and authentic recipes. Based on historical sources, the book reconstructs a vivid panorama of courtly dining culture and royal luxury.

At the center of the design is the painting Royal Feast by Sánchez Coello, which conveys the book’s central themes: royal opulence and culinary tradition. The bold red cover strikes a balance between historical grandeur and contemporary visual appeal – it draws the eye while evoking the atmosphere of a royal banquet. The Renaissance-inspired typography is stylized, elegant, yet understated, inviting readers into a visually modern interpretation of a historic culinary journey.