RECIPES FROM A BUSY ISLAND: FISH. By Sara Paston-Williams.

2005 1st edition thus. 4to (226 x 287mm). Pp257. Colour photographs throughout, b/w photographs and illustrations. Blue boards, spine titled in silver-gilt.

This is a good guide to British regional recipes for fish, shellfish and seaweeds - essentially a culinary travelogue of the British and Irish coasts, especially those parts belonging to the National Trust, with appropriate recipes from each and commentary on the local fishing practices. Chapters include: Introduction; The South West; The East; The North East; The North West; Wales; Northern Ireland; Sauces, butters and stocks; Suppliers; Places to visit. The Introduction is quite an extensive essay introducing the current state of the fishing industry, as it relates to the environment and the domestic buyer of fish. It also offers detailed species by species advice on: Marine Conservation society top 20 species to avoid; 25 species to eat with a clearer conscience; How to choose eco-friendly fish; How to choose fresh fish. All necessary groundwork for what follows. A fine book, as relevant and useful as ever. This edition is a thoroughly updated revision of Sare Paston-Williams's "National Trust Book of Fish Cookery" (1988).