Book excerpt: First published in 1930, The Duke's Table is quite simply a massive compendium of vegetarian recipes from Italy and around the world. The brainchild of Enrico Alliata, the Duke of Salaparuta, the book contains over 1000 recipes. Suitable for all levels of culinary ability, the recipes are imaginative, playful and healthy - and all designed for a family-style serving. As the Duke himself puts it 'Even though man can draw all he needs in the way of nourishment from a mere handful of seeds and fruit, he must not give up on a proper meal.'