Now the refit is complete, we have the space to display the best of new publications as well as the continuing selection of high-quality second-hand books and we would like to take this opportunity to tell you about some of the books we have in the shop.
For the Love of an Orchard
We were pleased to launch Jane’s new book (co-authored with Chris Kelly) For the Love of an Orchard: Everybody’s Guide to Growing and Cooking Orchard Fruit (Hb £25). It covers all the practical aspects and also includes a wealth of historical and literary information about the fruits. You don’t even need a big garden; Jane and Chris assure us it is perfectly possible to grow a fruit tree in a pot on a balcony!
Web of Air
We are all enjoying Philip Reeve’s new book Web of Air (Hb £12.99, Pb £8.99). Confusingly, this is the sequel to Fever Crumb, which is the prequel to the Mortal Engines Quartet. But you needn’t worry: Web of Air stands perfectly well on its own and you can then work backwards or forwards within the series. Like many fantasy writers, Philip Reeve creates a world that is similar to, but not quite the same as, the one we know. His skill is in describing that world. In turns terrifying, amazing and amusing, it forms the backdrop for an exciting adventure story. (Recommended for 10+, but we are all well past that)
Trespass
Many books cover the ‘we went and lived abroad, had a good time and wrote about it’ theme, but Rose Tremain’s new novel Trespass (Hb £17.99) looks at the idea from a different perspective – that of an elderly Frenchman hoping to make a fortune by selling his run-down house to an English antique dealer. Set amongst the beautiful but remote hills and gorges of the Cévennes the story heads towards a chilling climax as events spiral out of control.
How the British Fell in Love with Food
How the British Fell in Love with Food, compiled by Lewis Esson (Hb £20), celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Guild of Food Writers. With members including Katie Stewart, Alan Davidson, Claudia Roden and Raymond Blanc the Guild brings together the best writers on food and drink in this country. Their articles and recipes chart the history of food in Britain over the last twenty-five years – from the arrival of avocados on supermarket shelves to the rise of the celebrity chef.
Second-hand stock is pouring into the shop all the time and we now have the space to display it properly. We have made one or two changes to the layout which we hope will make it easier for you to find the subjects you are interested in. Recent purchases have included: Stella Kramrisch: The Art of India through the Ages (Phaidon Press, 1954, Hb in very good dust wrapper) with the ownership inscription of E. M. Forster, King’s College, Cambridge. £500