Bullied by his second daughter into putting the family's favourite recipes into book form, this subject became a sub-theme in what turned out to be an autobiography, but one written about an ordinary life although with an ability to find the humorous side of most events. For serious foodies this book may be a little thin on content but there are some interesting pieces of food history and it is very much a personal view of the last sixty years. The book is set out in four sections, based loosely on four periods of the author's life, and given titles based on a four course meal of hors d'oeuvres, fish, meat and dessert entitled "horses doovers, fishy tales, butcher's meat and just desserts". If you want a relaxing read on an inconsequential life which may make you smile, buy this book. If you want a serious cookery book or autobiography of someone famous or important, then you will have to look elsewhere. What does come through is here is a book written by a guy with a love of life, a beard more appropriate to a mad badger and a slightly quirky sense of humour who writes for his own enjoyment but with a warmth others may find undemanding.