The Elizabeth David Collection

Elizabeth David opened a shop in Pimlico, London, in 1965, selling Le Creuset pans and other hard-to-get-hold-of kitchen utensils. She also produced a series of four little booklets: The Baking of an English Loaf, Dried Herbs, Aromatics and Condiments, English Potted Meats and Fish Pastes and Syllabubs and Fruit Fools, which are now rare, highly sought-after, and expensive collector's items. Grub Street has acquired the rights to these booklets and is redesigning them as four hardback books in a slip case with specially commissioned beautiful artwork.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2023
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing

In 1965, Elizabeth David embarked on a remarkable journey by opening a shop in Pimlico, London. Nestled within this charming neighborhood, her store became a haven for culinary enthusiasts seeking hard-to-find kitchen utensils and coveted Le Creuset pans. The store itself, with its awe-inspiring window displays, held equal influence as her renowned books, pioneering a new generation of specialized kitchenware shops. Rosi Hanson, who had the privilege of working at David's shop for two years, fondly remembers her experience. She describes her as delightful and the shop as magical. Hanson believes that David's love for being a shopkeeper stemmed from the respite it provided her from her writing endeavors. Whenever someone sought a specific piece of equipment, David would often say, "If you could come back, I think I may have one at home." On evenings when the team stayed late to adorn the windows with their creative touches, David would prepare a delightful picnic for everyone to enjoy. The spread would include delectable terrines, luscious jellies, and other mouthwatering treats. Even as she remained actively involved in the shop, Elizabeth David Ltd., her namesake venture, produced a series of four small booklets. These booklets, titled "The Baking of an English Loaf," "Dried Herbs," "Aromatics and Condiments," "English Potted Meats and Fish Pastes and Syllabubs and Fruit Fools," were exclusively available at the store. With their simple black-and-white design, they initially served their purpose but have since become rare, highly sought-after, and extremely valuable collector's items. Grub Street, a renowned publishing house, is thrilled to announce its acquisition of the rights to these booklets from the David Estate. Working closely with talented artists, they are redesigning them as four elegant hardback books, housed in a slipcase, accompanied by specially commissioned breathtaking artwork. This revival makes these charming works accessible once again, marking a milestone in culinary history. Elizabeth David's books continue to captivate and enchant each new generation of cooks who discover her culinary prowess. Her influence can be seen in the cooking of renowned chefs like Jeremy Lee, Shaun Hill, and Rowley Leigh, who have embraced her timeless recipes and techniques. The legacy of Elizabeth David lives on, as her books remain in print and continue to sell in substantial quantities, resonating with cooks worldwide. Her timeless culinary wisdom and passion for the art of cooking continue to inspire and influence generations of culinary enthusiasts.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 133 x 177 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911667087