Duchess of Jermyn Street

I recently looked at the British TV series "The Duchess of Duke Street," which must be based on The Duchess of Jermyn Street. The writers of the TV series tossed the facts around some for the series. Both the series and this book are a bit dated, but the book is still a very enjoyable read, and mentions many well-known personalities of the Edwardian era, and later. In a time when there were very few restaurants, and the upper crust were prepared to pay plenty for an excellent cook, this book describes the life of the most well-known private cook in London, Rosa Lewis. The author herself knew Rosa, as well as members of many of the wealthy families who employed her for lavish dinner parties. Rosa Lewis managed to elevate herself from kitchen helper to very well-to-do proprietess of The Cavendish Hotel and famous cook. Forgive the dated quality of the book's style -- it was written in the late 1960's, and the author draws upon her own family connections and knowledge to tell the story. Enjoy it as a window into a world long gone by.