New Books Network Graeme Rigby, "Rigby’s Encyclopaedia of the Herring" (Hurst Publishers, 2025)
Nov 3, 2025
Graeme Rigby, a passionate herring enthusiast and author of the newly released encyclopaedia, dives into the fascinating world of herrings. He discusses the staggering numbers of herring shoals—up to a trillion! Rigby explores the historical significance of herring trade, especially the Dutch dominance, and its quirky cultural presence, from poetry to plays. He even reveals the mysteries behind red herrings and shares intriguing recipes like Herring Under a Fur Coat, proving that this fish is far more than just a staple in the sea!
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Decades Of Research Became An Encyclopedia
- Graeme Rigby spent decades researching herring and turned long-term curiosity into a comprehensive encyclopedia.
- The project grew organically from radio work, blogging, podcasts, and retirement research into a book over 27 years.
Red Herring Is A Real Preserved Fish
- 'Red herring' refers to heavily smoked Atlantic herring that turn red and preserve for long periods.
- The metaphor originated with Thomas Nash and only became widespread in the 19th century.
Sardine Is A Flexible Label, Not A Species
- 'Sardine' is a legal and regional label, not strictly a species; European law once limited sardines to pilchards.
- Elsewhere, sardines can be juvenile herrings or many small fish used in cans.
