Customer Reviews

An Alphabet for Gourmets

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Particularly enjoyable for her rather obscure selection of an alphabet by which to write about food. If you want more, I recommend the compendium The Art of Eating, by the same author. This woman really enjoyed food, even the simplest meal, which might even be eaten alone and enjoyed more for the experience.

I ordered a copy of An Alphabet for Gourmets, expecting to find a softcover one similar to that in the photo. What I received was a lovely hardback copy inside a sturdy cardboard cover. The cover of the book had lovely, colorful designs on it and the inside was filled with beautiful, full color prints at the beginning of each chapter. Even the paper was higher quality, almost like cloth. This was indeed a wonderful gift book. I give kudos to the seller who went a cut above in providing this product.

This woman was a legend in the field of cookbooks and food in her time. I found her writing simple and from the heart about her relationships between food and people. It was comforting to me because this is eloquent when talking about everyday things. Much like my letters from my grandmother. It's a different era. I love the writing but it's not novel that you will read from front to back. I suggest that you read a chapter every now and then.

Don't be put off by the dour photo on the cover. MFK Fisher has a lively wit and a breezy style of writing that is a joy to read. In this book she takes on topics based on the alphabet. In dining Alone, she describes the difficulty of being a food writer. She is never invited to her friend's because they think their cooking isn't good enough, so instead she goes home to a lonely supper of canned soup and crackers. The chapter on Bachelors describes a meal that on the surface is dreadfull but is made delightful due to the care and effort of the gentleman to provide hospitality to his guest. Every chapter is full of charm and the recipes are quite good. A very enjoyable book.