Amazon.co.uk lists at least two books by Harold McGee titled "Food and Cooking" but with different subtitles. Are these really just the same book but with a different title or are there any differences? I'm referring to these: "On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen" (ISBN: 978-0684800011) and "McGee on Food and Cooking: An Encyclopedia of Kitchen Science, History and Culture" (ISBN: 978-0340831496). The publication date given for both falls in November 2004. I'm guessing this is just the US vs. UK edition or something like that?

Not sure if they are identical. Maybe some other UK users can help. Here is a link to the book you quote in the U.S.: On Food and Cooking - The Science and Lore of the Kitchen - Completely Revised and Updated. Perhaps you can take the UK version out from the library there and compare it.

Here is some information on ISBN's that might help: ISBN.ORG & wikipedia. I would call up your local library and ask. Cheers!