Tremendously detailed history of the collection, storage, and uses of ice, with an emphasis on ice cream, sorbets, and sherbets that suggests it probably began as background for a book of ice cream recipes. Not the easiest read, but interesting. If I have a misgiving, it's that its density and uniqueness makes it hard to judge how comprehensive or accurate it actually is.

I shouldn't probably rate this one. I have to admit I've never finished it. It's a little... well... really NOT meaning to be clever here: her writing style is a little chilly. A little academic. I should give it another shot. I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt in a way I ordinarily wouldn't. ( )

An amazingly scholarly work by the much revered cookery writer; The complete (and I do mean COMPLETE) history of how humans began to use ice to preserve and enhance food, and finally how they came to eat ice cream. Fascinating and informative. ( )