A magnificent work. Ian Kelly is at the vanguard of the new rock 'n' roll of culinary literature.

Anthony Bourdain

Ian Kelly has done a wonderful job, not only of depicting Carême's culinary genius beautifully but of introducing us to his extraordinary personal life as well. I enjoyed reading this book immensely and recommend it to culinary historians and food buffs everywhere.

Daniel Boulud

In this well-researched book, Ian Kelly deftly recounts the exploits of this remarkable man.

Jacques Pépin

Ian Kelly's valuable and pleasurable addition to the literature of food combines an eye for the richness of historic detail with a solid sense of culinary crafts. While stimulating our palates, it breathes a life into a critical period in the building of modern Europe.

Mark Kurlansky

I was really truly bowled over.

Giles Coren

Absolutely irresistible.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall