Yesterday I went into the library in Waterford, a beautiful modern building which is in fact much more than a place for books.
It is also used for lectures and exhibitions and much more besides.
There I found two very recently published books both of which were on my wish list.
Their buyer/buyers obviously has impeccable taste or else has access to that list which I hopefully leave in Amazon.

McGee on Food and Cooking is a book which is so full of information that I think I will have to buy it anyway.
It is a scientist in the kitchen and explains (even to people who gave up chemistry at Inter Cert) how Béchamel Sauces thicken,
how gluten affects the rising of bread and the correct scientific way to extract maximum flavour from coffee.
To a chef with and enquiring mind it is a treasure trove.
I shall certainly have to buy a copy to keep.
The second book is Tim Robinson’s amazing ;
Connemara, Listening to the Wind.
As I own and love his previous book on Aran this was a must.
His minute exploration of the stones, plants and history of the area around Roundstone (two more on Connemara are planned)is rather like an easily read prose poem.
Another book I’m afraid I will have to buy to keep.