Elegant Economist

Eliza Acton (1799-1860) was born in Sussex, and, apart from some time spent in France, lived for much of her life at Bordyke House in Tonbridge, where she kept house for her mother. Modern Cookery, first published in 1845, was her first cookery book and quickly gained wide acclaim for its practical, step-by-step approach. Delia Smith has called Acton 'the best writer of recipes in the English language'.

• 1: Poetic Recipes for Soups, Salads and Dressings 2: Beef, Mutton, Lamb and Pork 3: Poultry and Game: Seasonal or Perennial 4: Potted Meats, and Curries 5: ‘The Eyes Should Always be Bright’… of Fish 6: Sea Kale, Dandelion, Myriad Vegetables 7: Gravy in Haste and More Sauces 8: Monitor’s Tart and Other Pastry 9: Soufflés and Omlets 10: The Elegant Economist’s Puddings 11: Sweet Poisons and Superlative Preserves 12: The Counsellor’s Cup: Syrups and Liqueurs