The Cookery of England (Penguin Handbooks)

This is well-written and deeply considered. I know of no other book which really attempts to cover the vernacular tradition cooking in England (though there are several historic recipe collections). Full of recipes begging to be tried (they work!), and full of enthusiasm too. I had the misfortune to order it from Penguin between it going out of print and actually disappearing from their list: I have been chasing and buying copies for my friends ever since.