‘The book has the serious purpose and the sense of balance of the historian infused with sympathy and the warmth of admiration for what Ms David stood for and what she achieved . . . A remarkably rounded and convincing portrait.’
Guardian

‘Chaney writes particularly well throughout on the roots of David’s interest in food, and on how her writing is about so very much more than food.’
Literary Review

‘Chaney’s biography has enough detail to satisfy the most demanding David-worshipper. . . and she is keenly alert to the wider cultural framework.’
Mail on Sunday

‘This thoughtful, meticulously researched biography illuminates . . . an extraordinary talent, an extraordinary life, expertly unravelled in a biography worthy of its subject.’
The Times