The Weekend Post

The Language of Food

Annabel Abbs: Simon & Schuster, $33

- CARINA BRUCE

Merging the worlds of food and history, this is an utterly delectable read, tracking the little-known true story of Eliza Acton, who changed the face of cookbooks in 19th century England. From a well-to-do family that falls on hard times, the aspiring poet is dejected when her work is rejected by a publisher. And she is even more aghast when he suggests she write a cookbook instead. But when Acton steps into a kitchen, she finds a new passion. Alongside her reliable kitchen maid, she creates Modern Cookery, still available today. It revolution­ised recipes, via its creativity and the fact it listed ingredient quantities. It was such a success, the famous Mrs Beeton even copied some recipes for her own cookbook.

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