This is bit of a classic from way back in the day!

This is the modern bound version that's in almost new condition, from a ridiculously talented poet, and cook who was well ahead of her time.

There are a couple of marks as the photos indicate, and this is well priced against the other options out there.


Elizabeth 'Eliza' Acton (1799 -1859) was an English poet and cook. Elizabeth Ray studied at the London School of Economics and was a social worker in London and Kent for many years. Always interested in domestic and social history, she has written several cookery books and a biography of Alexis Soyer, as well as contributing to such magazines as Homes and Gardens and writing a food column for the Sunday Telegraph. She is the widow of the wine writer Cyril Ray, which whom she wrote Wine with Food.


This important new series rediscovers the original heroes of cookery. Reissuing texts that for decades have been available only to collectors of old books, each title has been redesigned giving the original text an updated yet timeless look for today's reader. These classic voices convey the flavour of their times and yet are astonishingly relevant to the modern reader.


There are two other books in this series (which sadly we don't own), which will establish itself as an exciting new source of reference and inspiration for all food lovers.


First published in 1845, Eliza Acton's book was a precursor of Mrs Beeton, and is considered by many to be the better book. This lost masterpiece sets out the principles of modern domestic cookery and its 34 chapters offer a wealth of timeless recipes for every conceivable food and occasion. With instructions on basic techniques ranging from frying fish to roasting meat and poultry and simple recipes such as Cucumber Soup, Spiced Beef, Venetian Fritters and Compote of Peaches, this book is packed with wisdom, experience, common sense and delights.