The New Cookbook for Poor Poets and Others

I am a cookbook aficionado. I own quite a lot of them, and I admit that many books I buy simply because they are so much fun to read. Readability is definitely why I bought "A Cookbook for Poor Poets and Others," but that's not why I gave it five stars - it also has great recipes and good kitchen advice. The recipes are variously healthy or not so healthy, cheap or slightly more expensive, easy or a little more complex. There is a lot of variety in this book. The author emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, but there is also a nod to real life and its demands in that she also lists plenty of meals you can make out of cans. I definitely recommend it.

I bought my copy of this book while I was a college student in the '60s. I still use it. When I was first married, and penniless, I paid attention to the basic advice: own a good knife, always serve fresh bread, real butter, and wine. Sometimes that was dinner. When we entertained, we added minestrone... Great memories as well as great recipes.

I bought my copy of the original edition in the early 80s. Bought this edition, kept the original...both are great works. The introduction itself is sage advice for the strapped student (concerning kitchen equipment, etc), and practical recipes abound throughout the book (End-of-Month Stroganoff is one of my old standards). Even if you own many, many cookbooks, do add this one to the collection. You'll find quite a few inexpensive hints, tips, and morsels.

I bought this book in 1979 as a starving student, and it has saved my life more than once. In lean times, I've been forced to resort to sell my books, but this one stays. The recipes are creative, inexpensive, tasty, and most are simple to make. Ann Roger's book allows the starving artist to eat well without sacraficing supplies, the hobo to put something together over the open fire, the student to eat AND buy books, all while relishing the scent wafting from the pot (or oven) and savoring the flavor once it's in the mouth. Also, this book isn't just about the main course; she includes salads and snacks and tasty desserts. Just because you're low on funds, doesn't mean you have to suffer! Enjoy!