An informative introduction to buying, preparing and cooking fish follows a chapter of reflections on the state of marine ecosystems, catching your first fish, and what can or cannot be classified as a fish. The rest of the book is divided into 14 sections describing different types of fish--flatfish, clupeiformes, shellfish, migrants, squid and cuttlefish, and even preserved fish. Each section is prefaced with a list of the different sorts of fish in the category with a star ranking indicating what the authors consider the best buys and a heart symbol for fish which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids. In the section on tuna, mackerel and game fish, for example, bluefin tuna has a two-star rating and a heart, but skipjack only has one heart.

What really makes the book fabulous, however, are the recipes. Whether it's a recipe for Taramasalata, Marinated Anchovy Dip or Grilled Swordfish with Marinated Cucumber Salsa, you'll find it here. Beautifully illustrated and creatively designed, Fish is an inspirational book which is also a well-conceived and brilliantly executed reference work. -- Dale Kneen

It is brilliant, the information on fish is extensive and informative showing extensive research and knowledge. The recipies are also great.

Red


Impressive!   September 29, 2001
 28 out of 28 found this review helpful

I have to agree with the previous reviewer, just an excellent book, for both Fish lovers and would-be Fish lovers (which I am). The combination of good background information, intelligently and humourously written, on the Fish and how the buy and prepare them, along with original and tasty receipes, works excellently.

The book is well organised, easy to read and use. My knowlege of fish has increased dramatically and we are now actually looking forward to eating more fish (recommended healthy 3 meals per week?!) which seemed an impossibilty before this book...my man is a meat lover, but has really enjoyed the meals thus far, so we are making progress at long last..

One added benefit for us, being Brits living in France, is that finally I know which fish I am buying as the fish names in the book are shown in 5 languages...excellent idea, as the French can sometimes have 2 names for their fish, instead of the one name in English, which is not always easy as I have difficulty in recognising one fillet from another in the display.

Thanks for an excellent book, I would highly recommend it, particularly for anyone looking at eating more fish and trying to enjoy the experience.


The seafood bible?   September 9, 2000
 15 out of 15 found this review helpful

To say this masterpiece is good would be the understatement of the century. For a fish lover like myself this book comes as a gift from the gods. It is fantastic, showing exactly what is what in the world of fish on your plate. William Black explains with great detail many of the fish available to the British fish connoisseur helping me pick and choose with his expert advice. Sophie Grigson transforms the job of cooking fish into an artform with ease. Congratulations to the two of you, a masterpiece to be proud of. EVERYONE BUY IT