Davidson's masterful, entertaining encyclopedia, 20 years in the making. The book has already claimed pride of place (bumping aside Larousse Gastronomique) on many a cook's bookshelf. Well worth browsing, this refreshingly opinionated, quirky book is also a pleasure to read. Organized A-Z (and much of it written by Davidson himself) the book covers everything: ingredients and foodstuffs, national cuisines, famous chefs and food writers. The second edition.  (REF07, $65.00)

Food & Wine