Australia Books

"The Hidden Words" were penned by Baha'u'llah in the early years of His Ministry. These wonderful gem-like verses condense the experience of Divine Revelation to its spiritual essence. Few people are unaffected by the clarity and beauty of this small book.

Of "The Hidden Words", Baha'u'llah said:
"This is that which hath descended from the realm of glory, uttered by the tongue of power and might, and revealed unto the prophets of old. We have taken the inner essence thereof and clothed it in the garment of brevity."

It has been said that "The Hidden Words" is a love-song, a romance of the age-old Love of God for Man. Full of short verses, an underlying theme is the Divine Being's faithfulness and the inevitable unfaithfulness of His Creation, Man. "The Hidden Words" tells of a Beloved Who separates Himself from His creatures so that "spirit" may be breathed into those same creatures in mutually desired Reunion.

Due to its brevity, "The Hidden Words" is a take-everywhere volume of slim proportion and vast resource both within the Baha'i Community and the greater community of believers. Highly recommended to those of contemplative bent.

The words of the Hidden Words contain life's purpose, goals, and meaning. Each read brings new understanding. Wonderful!The Hidden Words

I have had a long curiosity about the Baha'i Faith and its teachings of the universal nature of religion, the unity of human beings, and the imperative of tolerating and respecting beliefs different from one's own. I have always been intrigued by how these teachings of universalism and the essential unity of all religions can fit within the confines of an individual, independent religion, the Baha'i Faith, with its own teachings and texts. Thus, I was pleased to have the opportunity to read this short book "The Hidden Words of Bahaullah" composed by the founder of the Baha'i Faith, Baha'u'llah (1817 -- 1892) while in prison. The book was written in part in Arabic and in part in Persian and was translated by Baha'u'llah's disciple, Shogi Effendi. This book was my first experience with Baha'i scripture.

"The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah" consists of about 153 short paragraphs in two parts. It is cast in the form of short revelations to Bahaullah each of which is prefaced by a short exortation such as "To the Son of Man" characterizing the person or persons to whom the revelation is addressed. There is a brief introductory paragraph to the collection, indicating that the aim of the text is to distill, in short form, teachings that are universal to the spiritual life. This goal of the collection is reflected in some of the comments on this site. These teachings have, and were intended to have, many parallels in the teachings of the other great world religions.

The teachings speak of the need for a pure heart, of the need of detachment from everyday life, and of the importance of not envying,critcizing or condemning others. I was struck by the other-worldiness of many of the teachings, as they exhort the follower to turn away from materialism and desire and turn one's attention and heart to the divine. To me, some of the teachings seem directed to mankind, while others, if I am not mistaken, appear primarily directed towards Baha'u'llah himself. In this latter regard, there are several of the teachings which speak of the value of imprisonment, suffering and martyrdom as they advance the cause of God. These teachings seem to be directed to the founder of the faith or to those in danger of persecution on account of their beliefs. While most of the short sayings are readily intelligible to readers of many backgrounds, some sections, particularly near the end of the book, allude to figures that have some specific meaning for the Baha'i faith.

This book is known within the Baha'i community but will appeal to those who have an interest in exploring a variety of spiritual traditions. I am in this latter group. It is an inspiring text. The work here is presented without an introduction, notes, or commentary. Thus, I was unable to learn the place of this specific text within the Baha'i teachings as a whole. An introduction to the book with an overview of the Baha'i Faith and of how this book fits within it would have been invaluable. Also, notes in the way of a commentary on the organization and substance of the text would have been helpful. There is always a great deal more to understanding a short spiritual work than reading the words of the text. Context and discussion would be useful.

This is an important religious text, and it is good to have it widely accessible. It will appeal to those readers interested in the Baha'i Faith, to those interested in comparative religion, and to those interested in spiritual growth.

Robin Friedman

Bahaullah wrote these short verses of wisdom at a time of great need for spiritual understanding for all mankind. They are inspiring and universal remedys for all beliefs. The best gift you could give yourself or a friend.

Everyone should read this book at least twice.

I have 3 yr and 5 yr old daughters and we have had the best time with this Book and CD!!!! The song sticks in your head and it is so much Fun!! We had to buy this because my daughter was introduced to it in her daycare class, and the whole class can sing the song and they make up verses and it is tons of fun!

I just read this book during storytime at my local mall. Despite the noise and the playground surrounding them, my kids sat still and listened to the tale from beginning to end! They loved the pictures and the song. Some of them even sang along after awhile.

Once the story was over parents and children gave me a hand, so thank you John for a book that both adults and children can enjoy! Not only that I had a blast reading it aloud to boot!

"The Runaway Pancake" has had an impact on the children in my Kindergarten (five-year old) class for a few years now. When I play the cd, they scream and laugh and have a ball. When I read the story, they recite every word, laugh and clap along. I have them draw pictures of their favorite parts and, believe me, they do a bang-up job. Mr. Lithgow is an amazing talent with a Kindergartener's soul. He relates to these children and their fantasies with a charisma one seldom sees. I have enjoyed him for years on television and in the movies, but seeing him one evening reading this story and singing parts of it, well, he simply enchanted me and I ran out and got the book and cd without hesitation. John Lithgow is simply wonderful and the story of the runaway pancake is exceptional in all areas. I truly love it!

We borrowed this book from the library with the CD and played it for the kids in my preschool class (ages 3 & 4). It was requested again and again and again by the entire class. They absolutely loved it! What a fun book. I took it home for my own kids to hear it (ages 8 & 7) and they adored it too. It's so cute to be in the class while the kids are playing and hear them singing "No, no, no, no, no I'm too fast, you're too slow...." while they're building with Legos or playing with puzzles. I can play with CD without the book and it provides the same amusement. John Lithgow is a talented narrator. It was a wonderful discovery.

John Lithgow's books for children are fun, entertaining reads! Books that can not only be enjoyed by children, but adults as well, and that's saying a lot.In "Marsupial Sue Presents the Runaway Pancake", the accompanying CD contains a live performance by John Lithgow, narrating [not word for word, but he adds a lot of humor to the story] and performing the song of the runaway pancake. This is such a wonderful book and CD combo that had my 3.5 year-old daughter laughing with glee and tapping her feet as she sang along to the CD.

I have read most of Lithgow's books for children and reviewed them, and I find they are excellent tools for promoting early literacy skills - the rhyming text and accompanying CD together with the humorous illustrations provide ample opportunity for sing-alongs, read-aloud, and active discussion of the themes in the books. Highly recommended!

This is a beautiful book, with beautiful images. It is entirely worth it, to get a glimpse of the people of Africa. Excellent.

I found this one of the most beautiful representations of the continent that I have seen to date. Instead of animals and Egyptian ruins the photographers have taken a diverse array of photographs that potray the people. In addition, the representation of even the least renowned countries in Africa is accurate.

I am also partial to this book, because the proceeds go towards AIDS prevention in Africa.

Ahhh. This book, obviously, is many things to many people; not unlike its bountiful subject matter--- the original mother, Africa.

It is also many things to me, each equally beautiful. Most important, it is a powerfully evocative visual link to the 3 years of memories I carry of my life in West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer. The photographers saw and captured a lot of what I deeply love about the peoples, the land and the life of Africa. The simple and complex beauty; the extraordinary and the mundane; the joy and the frustrations, the good and the bad. It's just life as it is lived everywhere else on the planet, and how good it is to see it presented from a part of the world that is not often shown much appreciation.

While I appreciate another reviewer's criticism of the book's failure to show more modern infrastructure of urban areas, I disagree that the omission is a disservice. True, there is a great deal of development in Africa, but what is shown in this book is still a good and true representation of the vast majority of people and their lives. Far from being stereotyped shots of suffering and drudgery, I find the photos varied and well beyond cliché as they take us into the rhythm of the lives of everyday people. It is a beautiful book. Place it on your coffee table , but keep it in your heart.

This is an absolutely heartstopping collection of photographs from everyday African scenes. I have to disagree with the reviewer who said that it only presented stereotypical portraits of African life. I agree that the collection would have been enriched with more portraits of urban life, but I don't think that this was a typical "National Geographic" variety volume.

It did have diversity, and it did show that many Africans live in modern homes. However, the sensitivity of the portraits was so deep, and their beauty so stunning, it certainly transcended "look at the natives starving/doing something weird/suffering from disease" type photography. Rather, it showed many of the marvels of Africa-from the artwork thriving in so many areas, to areas where ingenuity and industry thrive against all odds, from the thriving markets of Lagos, to the beauty of the desert. This book is so gorgeous that it is rather a testimony of love for Africa and its people-not in some patronizing way, but a true celebration of its spirit. It shows tragedy, but it shows beauty and people loving life and affirming it as well. Isn't that a balanced and fair picture?

Africa is a beautiful continent with immense potential, and it never looked better. The 100 or so photographers who took the pictures did an outstanding job. The pictures are the highest quality I have ever seen ...digital technology, I suppose. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this books value is in millions.
The first few pages feature full page pictures breathtaking scenery. One shows a lone teacher under the shade of a tree, a dog sits at some distance. Another show the Victoria falls in its full splendor and the there that magnificent mountain peak. Well by this time if your aren't seated, I suggest you do so for and stop operating heavy machinery. Across from cape to Cairo and across the Sahara these talented photographer have captured the wonderful essence of Africa.
Having in mind the much maligned western Medias portrayal of Africa and it on the tragic. In my opinion this book treats the subjects, e.g. Pictures of HIV sufferers, with adequate sensitivity.
Lastly I would like to salute the producers and sponsors of the project. It's a noble gesture.

book! The pictures are wonderful, and the story itself is sweet and simple with lovely rhyming. My son loves it! He is now 3. If I could just give a 1/4 star less I would. I still believe this is a book worth adding to your children's home library. The only problem I found is the illustrator decided to draw a lioness instead of a lion. His roaring lion has no mane. The story indicates a lion in 'his den.'

My kids and i loved this book. The illustrations are great, the rhyming is fun, and the story is adorable. You'll love it.

A bored emu named Edward in a zoo envies his seal neighbours and decides life would be a lot more exciting as one of them. He hops the fences of both enclosures in this poorly designed zoo and lives life as a seal. The customers and staff at the zoo aren't the brightest and don't notice any difference between him or the other animals let alone return him to his own enclosure so he's all set being a seal. Only he overhears a member of the public say that his favourite animal is a lion so Edward decides to hop the fence again. Hanging out with the lions (who don't eat him for some reason) someone else mentions snakes are their favourite so he decides to become a snake. Is it really a desire to be different Edward is after or is it something else. Read this book and find out!

The illustrations are very well done with minute attention to detail resulting in very realistic colour sketches. My only criticism is that it would be nice if Edward had visited a few more animals but that's the only bad thing I have to say about this book.

There's also a sequel available called Edwina the Emu.

Edward the Emu is sick of being an Emu, so he tries out being a few other animals at the zoo, only to discover that the visitors have many favourite animals.
The story is told in a lovely verse and the illustrations are one of the best I have seen in any children's book. Edward The Emu is funny and engaging with a simple message of valuing oneself.
Highly recommended.

Edward the Emu is just a precious story with the funniest illustrations! My kindergarten students love this book! It is one we keep out all year and read lots of times. Edward makes us all laugh, especially when he is trying to be a snake, they think that is a really funny thing for an Emu to be a snake! You will enjoy this book.

This is the first book that I have ever read by Barbara Wood. I could not put the book down. She is a wonderful writer. I read The Dreaming many years ago and was hooked on this author. Since then, I have read everyone of her books.

I read this book in 1991. Actually several times.
All these years I've remembered the story, the mystery, the romance of the book, but had forgotten the title.
When Australia the movie came out, the previews reminded me of this book, and I started my research again and there I found it! The Dreaming!
Joanna Drury comes to Australia with a deed in hand for land she had been left there. Her parents have died. Her mother, long before her death was tortured by dreams of dogs tearing her apart.
Then Joanna starts having them.
At the dock in Australia, she sees a young boy alone and goes to help him. Then the boy's uncle, Hugh Westbrook finds him and Joanna, and after they talk and Hugh may be able to help her find her property in exchange for caring for the boy for a while, they ride together to his sheep station, Merinda.
Aborigines treat Joanna strangely, as if they are afraid of her. She is convinced this has to do with the dreams.
As she learns of the local lore, she knows something happened to her grandparents and needs to find answers before the mystery kills her.
Hugh and Joanna fall in love and marry -
AS Joanna goes across the massive country, her party gets involved in an accident, and Joanna is alone in the brush. She starts remembering the lore of the 'songlines' of the Aborigines, where the land actually has messages written in it to follow - and she finds the answers to her questions.
This is one of the most romantic books I've read, as well as a huge epic book about Australia and the Aborigines, and the metaphysical.
I highly recommend this book that has it all!

This is the first book I read that was set in Australia and I got a lot more from it than just the wonderful story of the lead characters and the interesting people around them. There was not really any permanent villain, each characters whether they started as bad people had their reasons for their actions and you don't really grow to hate them even towards the end unlike the typical villain. What I love is the author had done an extensive research about the history of Australia from the convict days and the life of the Aborigines that were forced to live with the European immigrants. The heroine was a very adventurous woman who was seeking her mother's early childhood memories that cost her grandparents their lives and her mother having an amnesia of her early years of life. I could not put this book down and read it in two days. The ending was not as great as I expected because the Woods left a lot of the characters behind and I did not know what happened to them. Additionally, the main characters were not reunited in person in the end after the lead character discovered where Kara-kara is located (the place that she's been searching from the beginning of the novel). I don't want to give away too much so just pick this book and you won't regret it!

I highly recommend this book to those who love Australia, are fascinated by the good and the bad of its history, and the mysticism of the Aborigin culture. It is a wonderful read for those who just want to read and be entertained; but it has much more to offer and is deeper than your normal page turners. It explores the personal development of a number of characters as well as provides a gentle critism and depiction on a human level of some of the unpleasant sides of Australia's fronteer days and of the beauty of a culture that was trampled on.

This is a wonderful book about the Australian outback and the myths and legends connected with the native peoples. It is a story about a young woman who goes in search of the cause of her mother's nightmares and of her own fears about her heritage. It was a wonderful book.

This is a wonderful work of poetry written by a man who has been forgotten so much over the years. The seven works are all based on the Bible, but please don't feel that you have go be deeply religious to enjoy and fall in love with this book. Mr. Johnson's use of language is so vivid, for instance, "darker than a hundred midnights down in a cypress swamp" from The Creation, that one just can't stop reading and loving the beautiful and lyrical words. Please read and enjoy.

My soul is galvanized everytime I hear or read James Weldon Johnson's God's Trombones. I have directed student perfomances of this deeply moving African American text. "The Crucifixion," for example, tells the story of how Jesus Christ, my Lord, my Savior,my Friend, suffered death on an old cross so that I might have an opportunity to be more sensitive to the hurting. The "Prodigal Son" urges me to experience and, thus understand, that I must live with a redemptive consiousness. And, of course, I am compelled to understand, through the poem "Go Down Death" this reality: God does call His children home. Those who have suffered "long in the vineyard" are deserving of rest. For sure, God's Trombones is a poetic tribute to an experience that is Christian and African American. I thank James Welson Johnson for creating this poetic masterpiece. Let's continue to read it; let's perform it. Let's live within the context of the spirituality of the voice. Amen!

The title says it all: "Trombones" represents the preservation of the history of the community backbone of prayer, persistence, and strength. The poetry gives some insight to the suffering of the elders, and speaks to the continuing fight for the full parity of the AfricanAmerican community in a country that was literally built upon the bleeding, sweaty backs of my ancestors.

Amazon is to be commended for participating in this historical preservation of a works that I would recommend as mandatory reading for generations to come - regardless of religion, gender, or color.

God's Trombones is a beautiful expression of the themes of the Southern black experience and God's constant, personal presence in their lives. The themes he chose were expressed in sermons and in Gospel music. For the black person, God was aware of their struggles, would bring them out of "Egypt" (slavery) and would eventually take them to their home "over Jordan". Death would be a gentle freedom for those who were weary (as in "Go down Death").

Johnson's introduction explains that he was trying to express the fervant Southern black preacher with his pauses and emphases. He has done both well.

This is a book to be read for its beauty and inspiration, but more important, it shows (theological inaccuracies aside) how an oppressed people trusted in God's gentle hand, and God's constant love for even the "least" of his Creation.

I recommend this for historians, teachers, lovers of poetry, and for its spiritual content, anyone seeking inspiration.

My dad teaches Sunday School and was looking for this book to incorporate into his lesson plans. I found it here at Amazon and fell in love with this book. Absolutely wonderful to read and very profound. Exceptional!

I use Stages of Faith in a human development class I teach at a small private Christian university. I use the book for two reasons. First, it still has the most foundational understanding and process for conceptualizing and defining faith development. It is old now; however, it is the central piece for dialog in faith development. Second, I appreciate the thoroughness of Fowler's stages and his interaction with other developmental theories. As a professor, I also appreciate Fowler's challenge for Christians. My students are quick to assume that Fowler is writing about Christian faith development, but he is not. I like the challenge Fowler lays out for Christians and others to appropriate his "generic" model of faith development for specific religious traditions.

If you are doubting your faith, if you are unbelieving, if you've been condemned as a "back-slider" or an "infidel," if you never had a belief in the Divine but want to understand the dynamics of faith, this book may be yours to read!

I was first given this book about 18 years ago when I found myself at odds with the faith in which I was reared. I had doubts in high school as I could no longer tolerate the literalism and simplicity of the churches I attended. I lived with the dissonance for several years. Eventually, the dissonance was so unbearable, I sought the help of a counselor.

The counselor heard my doubts and lent me this book. I read that there are different stages of faith. I realized that my doubts stemmed from growth. I realized the conflicts were the conflicts of maturity not of "back-sliding."

Now, as I see young people struggling with their spiritual growth, I talk with them and, if I feel it appropriate, I give them a copy of this book.

Although this study of James Fowler is 30 years old already, I don't know a more recent book, which describes the possible development of a believing christian so clear. In this sense, it is of more current interest than ever.

For those looking for a book simply on human cognitive development, "Stages of Faith" is not the place to go. For those looking for a book simply on Christian religious development, "Stages of Faith" is not the book to read. However, for those looking for solid research into the stages of working out "meaning" in life, then this is the classic text.

For Christians who have a distaste for research or even an aversion to anything that does not quote chapter and verse, this will be a disappointing book. But for Christians who respect research based upon the Creation Mandate given in Genesis 1, "Stages of Faith" can be seen for what it is: a welcomed attempt to classify, systematize, and outline how, who, and what people trust. This is not a study of religious or Christian faith from a biblical perspective, per se. It is a study of the dynamics of trust from a research psychology perspective.

I find the focus of this work quite helpful in talking with self-described "non-religious," agnostic, or atheistic people who claim they are not faith-oriented. Fowler demonstrates that we all trust something or someone. This should be no surprise to anyone reading the fundamentalist, militant, atheist primers being penned today (and ever-so-popular on Amazon). Life, for all human beings, is progressively centered around entrusting ourselves to someone or something. No one escapes the trust dilemma.

What Piaget, Erikson, and Kohlberg have done in developmental psychology, Fowler does in faith development. This is why I require the text in the class I teach on Counseling Adolescents. Far too many Christian parents practice, and are happy to have their teens practice, less mature levels of faith, never encouraging their children to develop their own personalized faith in Christ. Thus while not written specifically to address specific religious belief, "Stages of Faith" surely has application for everyone's personal spiritual experience. That's why I have also used Fowler's work as a catalyst to examine Scripture to outline a biblical approach that includes four stages of faith, four stages of foolishness, and four stages of wisdom. This "Creation, Fall, and Redemption" approach can then be applied as one way to examine the specifics of individualized spiritual choice.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Soul Physicians, Spiritual Friends, and Beyond the Suffering.

This book presents a skillful conceptualization of the relationship between human development and spiritual maturity.

It's hard to find the "right" words to describe this book and how it made me feel. The story was absolutely gripping and I could not put it down the night I started it so I stayed up all night to finish it. I truly find Judy an amazing person and an excellent role model for how resilient we are and how we go on living our lives. She and her family will never be forgotten in the lives of those who read this book. The writing by Hester is superb, no one could have done better. This would make an excellent book for any bookclub.

A wonderful look at someone surviving and overcoming an overwhelming tragedy. Thank you Hester for telling the Sleavin story so well.

Riveting--couldn't put it down. Heartfelt and respectfully written. How can you not live each day on this planet as if it were your last after reading Judy's story?

According to Virginia Woolf, "A masterpiece is something said once and for all, stated, finished, so that it's there complete in the mind, if only at the back." Initially I was hesitant to read this book thinking I might not be able to enjoy it (based on the subject matter). However, the book proved to be nothing of the sort. Let it be known that Dr. Hester has crafted a masterpiece here, expertly weaving the details of Judy Sleavin's story into a captivating, awe-inspiring and significant read that offers as much in content as it does a message about life.

Ten Degrees of Reckoning by Hester Rumberg is a haunting yet heartwarming book that is difficult to put down while you are reading it and even more difficult to forget once you have finished the last page. The injustice of the events pervades your very being and yet Judy Sleavin's persistence in living demonstrates the power that love can have one one's life. A must read.
Sondra Pearlman

Thirty short stories by W. Somerset Maugham including "Rain" which is about a prudish missionary and a prostitute and "The Three Fat Women of Antibes" which is an ironic story about self-denial and greed.

I came to know Maugham through his novels, especially The Razor's Edge, Of Human Bondage, and Cakes and Ale. I purchased this collection not knowing what to expect. The stories are character focused, at times incredibly witty and amusing, at times melancholy and near heart-breaking. As in his novels, Maugham has the ability to make the reader see what is not written. Highlights include The Rain, a commentary on the work of missionaries, and The Pool, one of the saddest shorts ever written. Others, such as The Three Fat Women of Antibbes, will probably make you laugh out loud. A first rate collection.

Somerset is an amazing writer whose words flowed so freely and expressively it makes you want to cry. This book of shorts is classic Maugham and un-put-downable. You'll love it.

The story" Fall of Edward Barnard" is a confrontation between what is called'the Civilized World' and the indigenous, the savage, the primitive world. Edward, thankful to a relative already fascinated by the beauties of the islands around tahiti, had a one life opportunity to have a very introspective reflexion about the meaning of his life. Sent from Chicago for two years, he will delay his return and the promise he made to his bride Isabelle. Why ? Because facing the natural beauty, almost thunderstruck by such simplicity, he wonders what the use of all this hustle and constant striving in our cities which are all but stones with ceasless turmoil. After a unsuccessful beginning in working, he chose a simple life based on beauty, truth and goodness. His thoughts reach the universal when asking himself ( throughout the author's philosophy ) why do we come into the world for to hurry to an office and work hour after hour

As a writer, Maugham considered himself "on the first row of the secondraters". I think he was being modest. Maugham has written some of the finest short stories ever written. His purpose was to do no more than tell an interesting story, but the reader gets much more. Each story is perfectly told; not one word is wasted, each character is fully realized. Maugham observes and never judges his characters. His short stories can be read many times and with each reading the reader finds something new and interesting. Somerset Maugham's short stories takes the reader to a time that is now past but still very relevant.

As the other reviewers have stated, this book covers almost anything a novice to serious homecook would want to see in a cookbook. From abalone to zabalione, it has the antedotes, stories, history, and backgrounds.

The book does slant towards (urban) Australian cooking since Alexander is Australian. Simply put, if you put aside the concept of Steve Irwin or Paul "Dundee" Holgan crocodile and kangaroo, and certainly Outback Steakhouse tongue-in-cheek dishes, the true picture of early 21st century Australian cooking is not terribly far from starting with British cooking with a hefty dose of Italian and Greek first, then Chinese, Japanese, and the Southeast Asian/ASEAN except the Philippines and Burma, cuisines thrown into the mix, and Turkish and Lebanan cooking acting as cameo appearances. All these will probably not shock much of modern American palates except Southeast Asian tastes may crop up more frequently than what you are used to, even to those who are used to Californian dining.

The book does teach basics like how to make a roast for the first time, although I would recommend a techniques/"How to Cook" type cookbook as a tutorial to it since Alexander assumes at least a little cooking knowledge.

A highly recommended book for cooking basics, and those who want to have an Australian-based cooking.

PS It must be noted cooking in New Zealand is a little different from neighbouring Australia, although there are trickle-down effects from Australian food across the Tasman. For instance, there is less direct Asian influence in NZ cooking due to lesser number of Southeast Asian international students studying in this country. We use less lemongrass, we still stick to more British cooking. There is also an absence of much Lebanan influences due to the migrants' tiny numbers. There is more Pacific influences such as taro and coconut in some urban dishes. So this book may give a good approximation but not a completely picture of NZ cuisine.

I don't know a lot about the kitchen and cooking, so I felt that this book was a great way to start. It taught me so much about cooking and more importantly, it explained a lot of things about ingredients and how to prepare them. It was VERY informative, especially for beginners. I highly recommend this book, even if you are not from Australia.

Have gone through all but 80% of the recipes in the book. The most impressive thing is the simple instructions and advice, which are always precise and helpful. How other cooks can spend pages on the instructions is beyond me, it's a cook book, not a novel. Probably should drop a star for the amount of offal recipes, but having tried it SOME are not too bad, but not rushing to try them again, e.g. pigs trotters. But this is another positive point to the book, the comprehensive range of ingredients used and the they way they can be cooked, ensures there is a number of recipes to meet everyones tastes and cooking styles.

It's a big claim, but this might be the greatest cookbook ever published.

The crowning piece of the author's long and distinguished career, it is utterly comprehensive, authoritative and, befitting its title, friendly and companionable.

Alexander begins with a general introduction followed by thorough sections on equipment and basic ingredients, preparations and techniques.

Then follows the main body of the work, which runs to more than 1100 pages without ever seeming too long or even too heavy. Well over a hundred ingredients, starting with abalone and ending with zucchini and squash, are covered. She begins with introductory remarks, which often venture into history and folklore, sometimes spiced with appropriate literary quotations. Each entry has useful notes on varieties and seasons [although here adjustments will need to be made for northern hemisphere readers] on selection and storage and on preparation and cooking.

Then come the recipes. Each ingredient is given at least two or three recipes, the more significant might have a dozen or so, with cross references to maybe as many more elsewhere in the book.

This is a book to lose yourself in, to seek inspiration in, to answer any of a hundred and one questions.

No serious cook deserves to be without this.

I use this book all the time. It covers all the basics such as stocks and sauces as well as giving you ideas for how to use just about any ingredient you might have in your kitchen.

The book is organised alphabetically by main ingredient and there is also a comprehensive, user-friendly index.

Every recipe I have made from this book has been successful. This book helped me make great potato gnocchi for the first time ever (and I've tried many other recipes).

Highly recommended!