Comments on: Review: Maggie's Harvest, by Maggie Beer

By: foodiegal

foodiegal — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:50:03 +0000

I absolutely love this book. I know this is an old post but I couldn't help but gush in admiration of these gorgeous recipes. It's such an heirloom piece. I keep mine in pride of place in my little kitchen, and, as with all good recipe books, my favourite recipes are easy to discern owing to their dog eared and food splashed state!! I have just read the comments though and had to speak in defense of my favourite book (and cook!). In the intro, Maggie Beer does say that it's a collection of old and new favourites, some of which appeared previously but had since gone out of print. No complaints here though – such a great and comprehensive collection. Makes me hungry just thinking about it.

By: Duncan

Duncan — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:49:09 +0000

Oh Lucy, thanks for bringing that to our attention! I wasn't aware of how much overlap there is and that seems pretty disappointing.

By: Lucy

Lucy — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 22:12:55 +0000

My only problem with the book is that I wish someone who had reviewed had made a point of telling readers that it's packed to the rafters with previously published material from her Allen and Unwin days. I sat down over Xmas with it and thought, 'Hang on…'. It is a lovely tome though.

By: Amelita (Squishy)

Amelita (Squishy) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 06:20:42 +0000

I got it for my birthday. It is truly a beautiful book. Cheers.

By: Duncan

Duncan — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:14:46 +0000

As with all these tomes, there are a few places doing specials on them on and off. As for the cover being Scotchguarded (stain protected): I read that too, but unpacking them at the bookshop I can assure you I wouldn't want to have had grubby fingers — that fabric will mark!

By: Vida

Vida — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:08:59 +0000

I heard it's been scotchguarded so the cover will not stain! I saw it on special (Boarders maybe) for $95 but don't quote me until are strain my brain and remember where I sait it at that price… could have been Target… let me work it out and get back to you… Vida x

By: Duncan

Duncan — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 03:06:29 +0000

Thanks for the comments! I'd expect Maggie's Harvest to reach British shores quickly because of its style and content. The pricepoint might be a problem though. In North America I'd guess that only specialist bookshops will see it (even though one might claim this book has more common resonance between NthAm and Australia). The book certainly is strongly about the Australian context, but without being anywhere near as culturally narrow as many works which come from the US or, to a lesser extent, Britain. I think the narrative would be enjoyable for anyone and most of the recipes completely transferable.

@Y: Haven't seen Pier yet:(.

By: Y

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 02:22:21 +0000

The day after reading your review of the book, I spied it in a bookstore and rushed over to stroke the cover.. MMmmm.. plushhh. Love the photography, and I'm a big fan of Maggie Beer, so I'll be getting this book eventually.

Have you seen the new Pier book as well? Highly highly covetable.

By: Amelita (Squishy)

Amelita (Squishy) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:27:08 +0000

I love the way you write

By: DC

DC — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:07:43 +0000

Well, what a lovely review! The look and feel of the book sound very attractive. Do you think it'll make it to markets abroad, or is it a little too geared towards an Australian audience for that? And like you say, it sounds like it would make a very nice gift (not that I'm hinting!)