Almost forgotten at the back of a drawer for generations, Hannah Alexander's Book of Cookery-which was first penned in Dublin in the late seventeenth century-has finally made it into print. This recipe book is more than just a delightful foray into the dining habits of the Irish of times gone by. It is an important social history docu­ment that provides an abundance of information about Ireland's import trade, the Irish culinary imagination, and one of the few ways in which the increasing number of literate women of the time expressed themselves: by writing about the foods, special treats, drinks, and home remedies they prepared for their families and friends. Perfect for dipping into, this Book of Cookery provides a wealth of recipes for the adventurous cook, together with fascinating details of the his­torical and social context of Hannah Alexander, who wrote the book, and her daughter Hannah Dorothea, who contributed to it and ensured that it was kept for future generations.