Great Dishes of the World - Softcover

Old wine, new bottle. Classic Great Dishes of the World is a most welcome re-issue of the book with which Robert Carrier established his reputation back in 1963. Some might regret the rather sober (put crudely, cheap) presentation, as this sparsely-illustrated paperback gives little idea of the splendours of the lavish original edition--which retailed "at the unbelievable price of four guineas (approximately £60 at today's prices)", as Robert Carrier proudly relates. Still, the recipes are the thing; and we should be grateful, for this was almost without doubt the book which ensured the familiarity of, say, Gazpacho, Paella, Guacamole, Moules Marinieres, Moussaka, Osso Buco, Boeuf Stroganoff, Fillet of Beef 'en Chemise' (better known as Beef Wellington), Gratin Dauphinois, Crepes Suzette, French Lemon Tart ... all those wonderful Sixties dinner-party dishes that right-thinking cooks are re- introducing to their repertoires. Elizabeth David was of course there first in bringing Mediterranean flavours and a sense of style to grey post-war England: she whetted the appetite, but it was Robert Carrier who triumphantly brought detailed, practical recipes for these great dishes to Anglo-Saxon kitchens. The slightly old-fashioned air of luxury about many of the dishes (lobster, souffles, truffled pates) adds to the charm. This is an important book for all sorts of reasons. One could cook one's way through it indefinitely. It belongs in general circulation. --Robin Davidson