Boesgaard, Lars Provence (1908337168)
A mighty view of all aspects of Provence, from food and wine to landscape and history. Divided into three chapters, this 544pp book is the largest ever written on one of the world's most alluring, sun-drenched and seductive cultures. The first section focuses on Provencal cuisine, with over 150 classic recipes, which are delicious, simple and easy to prepare. The second part of the book examines the Provencal way of life, with short essays on the provenance of mountain villages, petanque, artists, museums, pottery, glassblowing, soap manufacturing, textiles, Pastis and the best markets to shop at. The finale is, appropriately, a generous discourse on the wines of the region, from Les Baux, through Cotes de Ventoux and Coteaux de Pierrevert, listing the best wine producers, the best vineyards and how to find them. Over 700 specially shot images form a dazzling panorama of food, wine, landscape and culture.