Wechsberg's book is an established classic on a par with those of A. J. Liebling and Waverly Root. Like those other authors, Wechsberg was a journalist who wrote about food, restaurants, and food cultures in the mid-20th century, and his insights and great storytelling give the writing a permanent appeal. This can be seen from the reaction after this essay collection (whose chapters were originally written as magazine articles) appeared in this reprint edition in the mid-1980s. I was at a Christmas party with some accomplished food folks, including Paul Bertolli of the Chez Panisse in Berkeley, and was recounting to someone one of the stories ("Tafelspitz for the Hofrat") from this book. When I finished I found that most of the room was listening, and that many of them, independently, had recently read the book too. That particular essay, by the way, has lately been re-discovered in Vienna, where it was set, and has been proudly adopted by some restaurants there. In this book Wechsberg interviewed, and popularized to US readers, the legendary Fernand Point, chef and owner of the 20th-century's most famous and influential restaurant in France (and for whom the _Guide Michelin_ reportedly debated adding a fourth star to their rating system for premium restaruants). Some of the chapters are interviews, some experiences and some celebrations of food. This book is well known and indispensable to food fanatics and those seeking more of the background and context from which contemporary western culinary culture -- high cuisine as well as comfort food -- emerged.

This enjoyable and easy-reading book is the most comprehensive book on violins I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Covers all aspects of the violin in great detail: history, makers, performers, composers and even the construction. Describes the differences of handmade and commercial instruments and also offers excellent insight into the world of bow makers. Must reading for the violin enthusiast and enjoyable for the non-musician alike.

Wecshberg, a Czech violinist, writes of his experiences bumming around Europe and on cruise ships as an itinerant musician and opera fan during the 1930s. This is a book to treasure for decades. I re-read it often.

An absolute treasure!! A long overdue collection of one of the 20th century's most overlooked writers. His style and wit are of the highest caliber. Any lover of food, travel and style will have a field day with this.