Elizabeth David aims to induce a desire to use each recipe as soon as it is read, describing recipes like "pot au feu" in all their simplicity. She presents cooking without elaboration. Advice is also included on the choice of the tools that would always be needed in any kitchen.

From Library Journal

France and Italy are especially famous for wine and food. David studies and analyzes cooking the way a scholar analyzes literature, and, as a result, her titles are far more than just cookbooks. Along with the recipes, of which there are many, she explains at length the histories of the dishes and offers splendid advice on serving wine with the meals. Both volumes, published in 1960 and 1958, respectively, contain forewords by Julia Child. Italian Food was the author's personal favorite.

Book Dimension

Height (mm) 198 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Width (mm) 128