Book excerpt: 'Anne Willan is one of an uncommon type these days a cookery writer whose recipes always work... She has researched her subject carefully. She places them in the context of their times, and discusses how their work makes an advance on what has gone before, or foreshadows future trends.' The Times Literary Supplement. 'This lavishly illustrated revised edition looks at some of food's most illustrious figures and some of the secrets of their success. The author's extensive understanding of culinary matters means that all the dishes she features appeal to contemporary tastes.' BBC Good Food. 'Culinary history, original creations and directions for amateur chefs are all fascinatingly described in the beautifully illustrated Great Cooks and their Recipes.' London Evening Standard. 'It's a fascinating work... It's not often you get a collection of very famous old names and such interesting facts.' The 50 Best Cookbooks The Independent