From 1951, a little book that started a revolution in food in theory, but the result, at least in England, really wasn't noticed. ( )

Elizabeth David's (1913 - 1992) second book, published in 1951, hot on the heels of Mediterranean Food. The talk of France takes one straight to the market, with 1950s housewives choosing their meat or whatever and some of the period notes are a joy, such as discussion of a new French butcher's just opened in Harrods. Interestingly, whereas most chapters are headed Soup, Fish, Meat, Game or the like, there is a whole section on Stuffed Cabbage Dishes.

It's not just because she's Elizabeth David. This really is a wonderful book. Evocative, dramatic in an understated way. ( )

another one to drool over. ( )

1st penguin ed. 75.