Kitchen Confidential Anthony Bourdain
A warts-and-all account of what really goes on in a restaurant kitchen. And why you should never order the chef's 'special'. Read Reviews and Buy on Amazon

Physiology of Taste: Meditations on Transcendental Gastronomy Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
A historical masterpiece in which a true gourmet explores the sensual pleasures of food with typical French passion. Read Reviews and Buy on Amazon

An Omelette and a Glass of Wine Elizabeth David
Timeless writing from the remarkable woman who shifted olive oil from the bathrooms to the kitchens of Britain. Read Reviews and Buy on Amazon

Le Guide Culinaire Auguste Escoffier
A monumental work of more than 5,000 recipes that codified French cuisine and shaped its expression for the best part of the last century and still an influence today. Read Reviews and Buy on Amazon

Eating Up Italy: Voyages on a Vespa Matthew Fort
A former Guardian restaurant critic explores Italy's history, culture and geography through its food. Read Reviews and Buy on Amazon

Nose to Tail Eating Fergus Henderson
From roast bone marrow to rolled pig's spleen, waste-nothing recipes from a restaurant Mecca for carnivores worldwide, London's St. John. Read Reviews and Buy on Amazon

McGee on Food and Cooking Harold McGee
The book that turned Heston Blumenthal into a boffin. A peerless guide to the science behind the stove. Read Reviews and Buy on Amazon

Leith's Techniques Bible Susan Spaull and Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne
Need to clarify a consommé or make the perfect pastry? This ultimate reference book should be every cook's best friend. Read Reviews and Buy on Amazon

The Man Who Ate Everything Jeffrey Steingarten
A former lawyer who makes a forensic case for the danger of salad and why horse fat makes for the perfect chip. Read Reviews and Buy on Amazon

White Heat Marco Pierre White
Recipes from the original enfant terrible of British cooking direct from the kitchen of Harvey's, the restaurant where he made his name. Read Reviews and Buy on Amazon

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