In Alphabet for Gourmets, M.F.K. Fisher arranges a selection of her essays in a whimsical way that reveals the breadth and depth of her passion. From A for (dining) alone to Z for Zakuski, "a Russian hors d'oeuvre," Fisher alights on both longtime obsessions and idiosyncratic digressions. As usual, she liberates her readers from caution and slavish adherence to culinary tradition-- and salts her writings with a healthy dose of humor.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Since Mrs. Fisher wrote [An Alphabet for Gourmets], naturally it is witty, pungent and highly civilized, but also it has a special charm...It not only guides and titillates; it warms."--Rex Stout, The New York Times Book Review
"Full of sound counsel, shrewd observation, luscious memories of dinners eaten and wines drunk, and a lot of common sense spiced with personal recollection. It's a good mixture."-- J.H. Jackson, San Francisco Chronicle
"Entertaining and knowledgeable."--The New Yorker
"Full of sound counsel, shrewd observation, luscious memories of dinners eaten and wines drunk, and a lot of common sense spiced with personal recollection. It's a good mixture."-- J.H. Jackson, San Francisco Chronicle
"Entertaining and knowledgeable."--The New Yorker
About the Author
M.F.K. Fisher is the author of numerous books of essays and reminiscences, many of which have become American classics.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Share your thoughts with other customers
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
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.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A fine book to idle away with for food lovers
Mary Francis Kay Fisher was very much a free spirit, a woman who went where her passions took her, and the greatest- or perhaps the second greatest of these was good food. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Michael J. Edelman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not just for Gourmets
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. Read more
Published on July 28, 2009 by JAK in WDC
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 17
books:
See all 17 books this book cites
40
books
cite this book:
See all 40 books citing this book
- The Settlement Cook Book (1910) by Simon Kander on page 13, and page 82
- The Physiology of Taste: Or Meditations on Transcendental Gastronomy by M. F. K. Fisher on page 141, and page 166
- The Physiology Of Taste by Brillat Savarin on page 141
- Virginia Woolf : Her Art as a Novelist by Joan Bennett on page 81
- Sons and Lovers by D. H. Lawrence on page 136
See all 17 books this book cites
- Conversations with M. F. K. Fisher (Literary Conversations) by David Lazar on 7 pages
- Consuming Passions: A Feast of Quotations Celebrating Food and the Art of Dining by Jonathon Green on 5 pages
- Poet of the Appetites: The Lives and Loves of M.F.K. Fisher by Joan Reardon on 5 pages
- The Art of Eating: 50th Anniversary Edition by M.F.K. Fisher on 4 pages
- Adventures in Wine: True Stories of Vineyards and Vintages Around the World (Travelers' Tales Guides) by Thom Elkjer on page 160, Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
See all 40 books citing this book
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
