An Evening with Elizabeth David & Friends

As part of our contribution to Rare Books Melbourne 2024, we will be hosting an intimate conversation about Elizabeth David, celebrating the importance and collectability of her books, her influence on mid-century food writing and cookery, her books, her friends and her legacy.

Elizabeth David CBE 1913-1992 was arguably the foremost British foodwriter of the mid-twentieth century. Writing shortly after WWII David is often credited with reconnecting the British peoples to the foods of the continent and Mediterranean. To many, David remains the best British writer on food and drink of all time; effortlessly blending a literary style rich with historical anecdotes and sharp wit, yet with a no-nonsense, yet accesible approach to the best cooking.

"When she began writing in the 1950s, the British scarcely noticed what was on their plates at all, which was perhaps just as well. Her books and articles persuaded her readers that food was one of life's great pleasures, and that cooking should not be a drudgery but an exciting and creative act. In doing so she inspired a whole generation not only to cook, but to think about food in an entirely different way." (Artemis Cooper, Oxford DNB 50960)

David is one of our favourite authors and we delight in reading, cooking from and selling her wonderful books. Her books have been feted with many awards and early editions are now collectible.

Tastes from several of her books will be served and various editions and versions of her books will be on display and for sale.

Please join us on Sunday 21st July as we discuss Elizabeth David's contribution to modern cookery and to rare books.

Tickets are free but limited.

FAQs

Can I buy Elizabeth David books?

We will have a range of editions, impressions and related books available for purchase on the night .

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

If you haven't visited the bookstore for a few years, please note we have moved to the northern side of the Queen Victoria Market. Our address is 115-121 Victoria Street (next to A Shed)

We recommend public transport.

The 19, 20, 57 (Elizabeth St)and 55 (William & Peel St) trams go past the Queen Victoria Market and run frequently. We are in the Free Tram Zone and are a short 50m walk from the Elizabeth St Queen Victoria Market stop and the Peel St Queen Victoria Market stop. Melbourne Central and Flagstaff railway stations are two blocks away.

If driving, there is plenty of metered parking on Queen St near the corner of Victoria St. There is also limited parking on Victoria Street outside the store.

Is my registration/ticket transferable?

Yes - to another person - just have them present your ticket on the evening.

Tickets to this event are free. Space and tickets are limited. We will have a waiting list. If you can't attend having booked, please either give your ticket to someone else or let us know so we can issue your ticket to the next person on the wait list.