THE COMPLETE COOKBOOK FOR MEN.

By Frederic A. Birmingham '33.New York: Harper, 1961. 312 pp. $5.95.

The Complete Cookbook for Men is indeed a complete cookbook. It is one of the best pieces of writing on cookery that I have seen in a long time. It is written in a pleasantly readable style, and with an insight that reveals that the author is thoroughly familiar with the culinary arts.

The book is well organized and begins where all knowledge of cooking should begin, with the attitude toward it; in this case the male attitude. The author continues from this good beginning to the assemblage of the necessities for cooking, such as utensils, herbs and spices, pantry stocking, cooking terms, and menus.

His recipe section starts with the simple and easy to prepare, and takes the reader through the more complicated, from the preparation of elegant steaks and roasts to many elaborate and classical dishes. He has also been thorough enough to include instructions on making coffee and tea, mixing drinks, making sandwiches, cooking out, and the use of the blender. The book has many helpful hints and explanations not to be found in most cookbooks.

Mr. Birmingham gives one the impression that he not only knows a lot about cooking, but that he is also willing to share what he knows and take the time to do it. I believe that this is a cookbook that will appeal to males and, if I may encroach upon the author's intended point of view, females as well. This is not a cookbook just for men. It is a cookbook for everybody.