'Time spent with Val is not just time spent in wonderful company but with an intelligent, proper cook - I could sit at a table with this man for days. He cooks like he eats; just delicious, delicious food.' Angela Hartnett, Chef

Ultimately, this is a story book with food in it. Valentine Warner presents a collection of personal stories, seasoned with recipes, to read and make in both happy and troubled times; a book of 'comfort' food in the truest sense of the word.

From the aching simplicity of toast with butter to the isolation of cooking for one and the pleasure of returning to heart-warming wholesome slow-roasts, one-pot suppers and more - this book is about enjoyment, grief, restlessness, disasters and success.

Organised chronologically and featuring 75 recipes, The Consolation of Food recognises the affirmative powers of time spent foraging or fishing for ingredients, and of cooking; to soothe the soul, to lift our spirits and to celebrate the pure life-changing and life-affirming joy of good food.