I think this book is so appealing on so many levels. Lepard's introductions, his photos, and his recipes are all very well done. Ironically, Lepard also was the book's photographer, due to the logistics of visiting various countries and budgetary constraints. His photos of the different places in the British Isles and Europe and his commentary were well done and very interesting. It was nice to see dough rising and baked in cooking pots--humble ingredients and implements are a mark of true home cooking. This book reminds me a bit of Colin Tudge's "Future Food," done in the 1970s, and Viana La Place's more recent "Unplugged Kitchen." Even though I am only an occasional baker now, I had to purchase this book after I had checked it out of the library. This book is properly a part of the "slow food" movement. It encourages us to take the time to bake, to live, and to enjoy life.