READ THIS: A Book for Cooks 101 Classic Cookbooks Leslie Geddes-Brown Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
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There are cookbooks, and then there are BOOKS about Cookbooks, for the serious culinary enthusiast! This is the latter and Merrell publishers, our friends across the pond, have done another brilliant project with author Leslie Geddes-Brown in "A Book for Cooks: 101 Classic Cookbooks." Everyone who is anyone in the culinary world will be coveting this highly interesting work which certainly spans the ages and demonstrates the quality of research that must have been tremendous in compiling such a gem. For example, Peachy Deegan did not know before reading this that the first cookbook was penned by the Italians in Milan in 1498...and the English were hot on their heels in 1500 with another.
We love that they agree that the future of cookbooks does not lie in smartphone apps. At Whom You Know we are huge fans of the real book that you can hold in your hands and mark up with pen and highlighter. Peachy NEVER would look up a recipe on her phone and that mere thought horrifies her.
Note that the English call Cook as in Cook Book "Cookery," which is a stylistic difference. Just like the trunk is called a boot and sweaters are called jumpers: you catch the drift. So if you are reading us over there, be advised your cookery book is being referred to as a Cook Book, because Peachy though part English is really AMERICAN. American readers: you're going to see James Beard, Craig Claiborne and Robert Carrier. There is great variety in both culture and time presented in all of these books together.
We love that a lot of nostalgia has gone into this. And when you read it, you'll see that the author has WAY more space than anyone in Manhattan for cooking and cook books in general. You'll be able to implement her collecting cookbook hobby in your country house. We particularly got a kick out of page 142 - Lady Maclean's Diplomatic Dishes; she was the daughter of a Lord and married to the inspiration of James Bond. Sir Hugh Plat with his Delightes for Ladies: To Adorne Their Persons, Tables, Closets and Distillatories with Beauties, Banquets, Perfumes and Waters also proved to be highly entertaining!
This totally unique history of cookbooks is sure to be embraced by the world, and it is highly recommended by Whom You Know.
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If you have ever bought a cookery book not only for the recipes but also for the mouth-watering images and attractive design, then A Book for Cooks is for you. Food writer and self-confessed bibliophile Leslie Geddes-Brown surveys 101 pioneering cookbooks, selected by her for their influence, for their unusual recipes or simply for their beauty. All types of cookery book are featured, from the seventeenth century to the present, with cuisine ranging from Italian to Moroccan, Indian to South American. Among the famous chefs and writers included are Mrs Beeton, Raymond Blanc, Robert Carrier, Elizabeth David, Nigella Lawson, Claudia Roden, Constance Spry and Alice Waters. Each entry includes a brief commentary on the book as well as photographs of its cover and several inside pages. Also featured are contributions from leading chefs, cookery writers and other food experts, either discussing their top 10 cookbooks or describing how they organize their own collection. With more than 500 colour illustrations, lively text, including a short history of cookery books, and an elegant design, A Book for Cooks is a culinary delight for all foodies.
A stylish compendium of 101 of the world’s best cookery books, from the seventeenth century to the present day
Over 500 illustrations, showing covers and several inside pages of all featured books
An essential addition to any cookbook collection
