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Provence
New Provence Books
- The
Food and Flavours of Haute Provence by Georgeanne
Brennan (Cooking)
Uniquely organized by the quintessential categories of
Provencal ingredients, rather than by types of dish or
menus. Olives, wild herbs, honey, cheese star in culinary
basics and stories of their preparation and their place
on the local table in both tradition and affection. For
example, Brennan details how olives are cured, and also
recounts scenes from the olive press. Perhaps one wouldn't
make "Daube of Wild Boar" here in San Mateo County, but
we certainly have the climate for enough herbs and vegetables
of the Mediterranean to evoke Provence here at home.
- Dying
on the Vine by Peter King (Mystery)
The Gourmet Detective not only knows the difference between
an entrance and an exit wound, but also in this Provencal
mystery he can pick out the aroma of mint, and deal with
perilous large vats of new red wine.
- Provence:
The Art of Living
by Sara Walden with photographs by Solvi Dos
Santos (Nonfiction)
Fabrics, colors, gardens and rooms of the best homes in
Provence. The photographs capture the colors and unforgettable
warm afternoon light of the region. The author has assembled
a "best of" guide that comprises her favorite shops, markets,
festivals and hotels.
- Colors
of Provence by Michel Biehn (Nonfiction)
Green is olive oil, tree-lined avenues; blue is boats
and indigo cotton print. Don't forget purple cuisine.
The story of Mediterranean coral and saffron, pumpkins,
and a red ocher town give new meaning to the color orange.
If you look carefully you may find the recipe for anisette
amongst things yellow. Food, crafts, fabric, architecture-all
sorted by color and beautifully photographed.
- To
Die in Provence by Norman Bogner (Fiction)
Murder, sex, suspense and danger hide within the covers
of Bogner's latest thriller. A California art history
professor travels to France on a temporary assignment
to keep her former pupil out of trouble. Unfortunately,
the pupil's favorite form of trouble is an American serial
killer and he's arrived in France. Soon there are new
victims in Provence. Chief Inspector Michel Danton, previously
seen in Bogner's Seventh Avenue, solves the case with
style. Although the book doesn't neglect food and charm,
it definitely rides the grittier edge of life in the land
of herbs and wine.
Classic Provence Books
- A
Considerable Town by M.F.K. Fisher (Nonfiction)
M.F.K. Fisher takes a close look at Marseille-the people;
the past (both sordid and nostalgic); gamblers; the smell
of a good restaurant; and the politics of being a Harbor
Master. She recounts her eclectic experiences as she learns
to be at home in Marseille.
- Provence
by Peter Mayle (Nonfiction)
Peter Mayle is famous for his novels and non-fiction accounts
of Provence, but not to be overlooked stands this coffee
table book with unusual aerial views of the countryside
and towns by Jason Hawkes. The photographs reveal textures
and patterns that go far beyond the obligatory "rows of
lavender" images.
Magazines and Videos Too!
Magazines:
Travel Videos:
Websites of Interest
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Barbara Bruxvoort, Atherton
Library
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