Martin James has produced an outstanding example of what a cook book should be: innovative, fun and easy to use. Recipes range from every day to special occasions, involving firm family favourites and adventures into the unknown.

A clear layout, serving suggestions for combinations of dishes and a systematic approach combine to create a winning recipe.

Everyone must learn to walk before they can run and a good grounding in basic cookery can allow personal flare to develop. Martin James embraces this ethos by including an index of ingredients you might like to use, and which recipes they occur in. A brilliant and original idea, as many of us first experience cooking things we enjoy to eat.

Whether a student or professor in the school of cooking, Martin has new challenges and feasts to create or add to your repertoire.

Joyfully, the creativeness of cooking is happily married with great attention to detail. Culinary excellence is not forgone in flowery or vague language. The book is laid out logically and clearly throughout, allowing full immersion into the experience of cooking. With a wide range of mouth-watering desserts, and a wider range modern classics, Martin James has created a feast of enticing delights.