This is a very valuable guide for anyone interested in preparing a medieval Mediterranian feast. The author includes the original text from the original document, an English translation (for those of us who don't read Old Italian), and her own personal redaction and interpertation of the recipe. It gives the reader an excellent opportunity to try her recipes or to experiment with their own version of the recipe, while still being authentic. Many problems with other books on the subject include modern substitutions (such as ketchup and Worchestershire sauce) for many Medieval spices. The recipes are well written and easy to follow. (And very tasty, too!) I would highly recommend this for anyone in the Society for Creative Anachronism who is looking for something different than recipes derived from "Currye on Englyshe" or anyone else who belives they were born 600 years too late.