BookTalk
The Pirate (p), is the latest self-published historical/romantic
fiction in local author Joan Fallon’s City Of Dreams trilogy. It is
set in 11th century Al-Andalus, when the Mediterranean, then
known as the Middle Sea, lapped against the fortified walls of
Málaga’s alcazaba. When the pirate captain al-Awar raids
Málaga and kidnaps master shipbuilder Bakr, the captive’s wife
refuses to listen to those who say he will never be found alive.
She enlists her family and friends to search for Bakr despite
the vastness of the Mediterranean lands. The love between
them drives her on.
FC Barcelona (l), published by Thames & Hudson, is the official
(and expensive) book of FC Barcelona on the occasion of its
120th anniversary. 120 years of passions and emotions are
splendidly illustrated in the pages of this fine commemorative
volume for the millions of supporters of the club that want to
know the complete history of the club in greater depth. From
past experience, first print
runs of this kind of book can
sell out quickly; so, early
ordering is advised,
particularly if you have it in
mind for a gift in December.
If you are looking for special
food and drink titles for gifts,
how about The Official
Downton Abbey Cocktail Book
(l) or The Official Downton
Abbey Cookbook (l), both by
Annie Gray. Both are
reasonably priced, but well-
illustrated with still
photographs from across the
television series and up to the
feature film. They are
published in official
partnership with Downton
Abbey. In a lavish toast to the
world of the Crawleys, the
drinks book presents a
curated selection of 70
delicious cocktail recipes
spanning the world of
Downton. They range from
drawing-room party drinks
to downstairs hangover cures
and more. In addition to
classic concoctions such as
Mint Julep, Prince of Wales Punch and Ginger Beer, the
collection features character-specific twists such as Downton
Heir, Turkish Attaché, The Valet and The Chauffeur.
The cookbook presents more than 100 recipes that were
popular between 1912 and 1926 in British high society in a
period of culinary development. They showcase the cookery of
the Crawley household; from upstairs dinner party
centrepieces to downstairs puddings and pies. Whether
adapted from original recipes of the period, replicated as seen
or alluded to on screen, or typical of the time, all the recipes
reflect the influences found on the Downton Abbey tables.
With these and more historic recipes, you can savour the rich
traditions and flavours of Downton Abbey.
Key: (p) paperback (l) hardback/large paperback depending
on availability
4 5 4 5