Like Elizabeth David, Claudia Roden can write about anything. Whether it's Middle Eastern, Spanish or Italian food, she is the cook to turn to.

She is world renowned for her classic books like Arabesque and the Book of Jewish Food. These draw on her Egyptian Jewish roots so it's no wonder Middle Eastern chefs like Ottolenghi are among her biggest fans.

But it is interesting to see that Russell Norman of Polpo cites Food of Italy as his favourite cookbook. Polpo is very cool, very modern, very Italian and yet still Claudia Roden's classic is his go-to cookbook.

Food of Italy was first published 25 years ago next year. But the recipes are so fresh yet timeless they are hard to date. For this edition she has updated over 30% of the recipes to fit modern tastes with new inclusions like farro salad and burrata.

The book is structured by region. So you get the glorious tomato and aubergine dishes of Sicily, the classically Roman dishes like salty meat and fried vegetables, and rich Tuscan stews and soups, and so on. With over 300 short recipes it is an incredible repertoire, and it is completely approachable for home cooks.

This fully illustrated edition includes recipe photos as well as local Italy scenes. This is the first time it has had photos since it was originally published.

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Roden s great gift is to conjure up not just a cuisine but the culture from which it springs Nigella LawsonA fully illustrated updated edition of Claudia Roden's masterpiece cookbook including over 300 delicious recipes and gorgeous full colour photography of local Italian scenery.The Food of Italy was written after Claudia Roden spent a year in Italy researching the subject. Regional recipes, country cooking, the bravura of grand dishes; pasta, seafood, rice dishes and authentic Italian desserts; Claudia Roden's encyclopedic knowledge of her subject infuses a rich and stunning book.The Food of Italy was first published in 1989. But the recipes are fresh yet timeless. For this edition Claudia has updated over 30% of the recipes to fit modern tastes, with new inclusions like farro salad and burrata. The book is structured by region. So you get the glorious tomato and aubergine dishes of Sicily; the classically Roman dishes like salty meat and fried vegetables, and rich Tuscan stews and soups. Featuring an incredible repertoire, The Food of Italy is completely approachable for home cooks.