HarperNorth nets Gray's celebration of fish and chips

HarperNorth has netted Food of the Cods: How Fish and Chips Made Britain by Daniel Gray.

Jonathan de Peyer, senior commissioning editor, acquired world English language rights from David Luxton. The book will publish in hardback, e-book and audiobook in October 2023.

It is described by the publisher as a “richly entertaining celebration of Britain’s national dish” which investigates the social history of fish and chips, showing how chippies “have emancipated working class women, brought equality for immigrants, amplified regional and class differences and shaped local and national identity”.

De Peyer said: “I find myself salivating slightly every time I think of this book and I can honestly say I’ve never had more fun discussing title choices. One of my formative childhood memories was going to The Magpie in Whitby and for many of us the chippy plays an outsize role in our lives, so this delightful little book will very much make the world a batter plaice.”

Gray added: “Since childhood Friday evenings spent pressing my nose onto the hot window of battered delights in our village chippy, I’ve been intrigued by fish and chip shops. I wanted to celebrate what they mean to this country. I’ve encountered funny people and fine stories, and only once got caught pressing my nose against a frying range window.”