I was pretty well pleased with this book, it has quite a few interesting recipes well worth trying. I've never thought that British cooking (especially what I've had of it)was all that bad, many of these recipes bear that assumption out. I just wish there were more of them because I've seen and heard of dishes not mentioned. I'd also like just a little more detail in the instructions for preparations because I'm not much of a cook.

I purchased this book in 1983. I purchased a second, paperback version this year, as my original is well worn (and very well loved). I have used it countless times, cooking my way through most of its recipes. It has never failed me and has provided me with many dishes that are now family classics. It is a true gem--simple to use, charmingly written and fool proof in its results. If you have any interest in British food or British heritage this book is a treasure.

I loved British cuisine before I ever had this book. But Jane Gormey uses clear instructions and a generous helping of good humour to make this book a good read even if you never ever use the recipes. That would, however be a mistake. The puddings (desserts) I believe are the best section of the book. The lemon curd is a MUST! Sugggested menus for all occasions, and this book has been invaluable in planning parties and tea. This book doesn't get as much press as "The Two Fat Ladies" and Delia Smith (St. Delia)all of which I own and use frequently, so I guess this book is still a well kept secret that I am more than happy to share.

I had previously read many of the books, articles, news columns etc. excerpted in Jane Garmey's book "The Writer in the Garden" but I read them again because most are very well written. Now, I'll hand the book over to my daughter who has recently taken an interest in gardening. She's approaching 40 and one of the writers in this book suggests 40 is the fateful age when gardening takes on new meaning.

If you haven't read many "garden" books and are looking for a place to begin, try this book. There are about 10,000 garden books on the market, many of them not worth a dime, but Garmey has included excerpts from some of the masters: Henry Mitchell, Anne Raver, Beverly Nichols, Vita Sackville West, Elizabeth Lawrence, Allen Lacy, Katherine White, Joe Eck and Wayne Winterrowd. All these excellent gardeners have years of hands-on experience, as well as a talent for distilling years of experience into some fine "yarns."

I discovered a new writer whose book of poetry I intend to read--W. S. Merwin. He describes his gardening efforts in Hawaii. I lived there once, and recall taking a dead stick and using it as a stake to prop a plant. The "dead" stick came to life. An idiot could garden in Hawaii. However, Mr. Merwin is trying to do something different. He's planting native flora in his hillside garden where fools once tried to grow sugar. His writing is so lucid and beautiful I felt transported to a garden I left over 30 years ago. His essay, "The Shape of Water" is worth the price of the book.

Ms Garmey has included other writers I don't think of as garden writers. Mary Francis Kennedy Fisher, whose autobiographical writings focus more on food than where it came from writes about roses in a childhood garden. Since she grew up in Whittier California, you can bet those roses were superb.

Several of the writers were boring or fretful and I am put off by both traits. I don't care for articles that give me so much detail I fall asleep, but not enough detail to help me. I also am tired of writers who complain. Anyone who gardens knows it's hard work. On the other hand, sometimes the complaints were hilarious. Eleanor Perenyi does seem to have had a run of bad luck with her gardeners.

Before you invest in other gardening books, you might review the material in this little book. You will discover first hand why not all "garden" writers are created equal--or even if they are, may not appeal to you. This is a book of essays with little immediate practical information for beginners. Still, one never knows...

Winter is in full swing here in New York and Connecticut and I've barely noticed. The excerpts and essays keep me from my work and even from the catalogues that have begun to pour in and which usually occupy my time. What is especially wonderful is that this is a book to which I keep returning. I am inspired and ready for the season. As far as I'm concerned, Vita Sackville-West finally has a rival!