DAVID, Elizabeth.

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A Book of Mediterranean Food. Second edition, improved with revisions, inscribed by the author on the title page: "Elizabeth David For John Bird April 1979", and with John Bird's name and address stamp blocked to the top of binder's front blank. A beautifully bound copy of David's first book, written while post-war rationing was still in force and published to wide acclaim in 1950. David taught herself Mediterranean-style cooking while living abroad during the early 1940s and began writing a food column for Harper's Bazaar in 1949. She is now recognised for her profound influence on British culinary culture: "David was the best writer on food and drink this country has ever produced. When she began writing in the 1950s, the British scarcely noticed what was on their plates at all, which was perhaps just as well. Her books and articles persuaded her readers that food was one of life's great pleasures, and that cooking should not be a drudgery but an exciting and creative act. In doing so she inspired a whole generation not only to cook, but to think about food in an entirely different way" (ODNB).

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