Mary Berry’s journey to become the Nation’s favourite baker has been a long one. Starting in near tragedy she turned to cooking after a childhood bout of polio, this early decision leading her to demonstrating, teaching, food journalism, writing and then broadcasting and the Great British Bake Off which established her as a charming and knowledgeable cook who loves to teach by encouragement and example. You can expect the same charm in her writing, together with humour, joy and sadness, a great pleasure to read the life experience of such a modest and talented woman.
From Queen of Tarts to the nation's heart, Mary Berry shares her Recipe for Life. 'In the words of my father, my birth caused no end of trouble...' From the moment she came into the world - two weeks early, throwing her parents' lives into disarray - Mary has gracefully but firmly done things her own way. Born in 1935, in the city of Bath, Mary's childhood was a curious mix of idyllic picnics and ramblings, and alarming air raids; of a spirited and outdoorsy home life and a dreaded school existence. All nearly cut horribly short by an almost fatal bout of polio when she was thirteen, which isolated Mary in hospital, away from beloved family and friends for months. Recovery saw her turn to her one true passion - cookery. And so began a love affair that has - so far - spanned six remarkable decades; from demonstrating ovens in the early 1950s to producing glossy food magazines in the 60s and 70s, gradually becoming the country's most prolific and - many would say - best loved cookery writer. Until her emergence in the 21st century as a TV sensation and style icon on the Great British Bake Off. As a working mother, at the heart of a busy household, Mary became an expert at the art of juggling, even bringing her working life into her home with her Aga school. And there have been challenges, one terrible tragedy and many joys along the way. In this touching, evocative and fascinating memoir, we accompany Mary on her journey of nearly eighty years; a life lived to the full, with a wicked sense of fun and an eye for the absurd, it is the life of a delightfully traditional but thoroughly modern woman. Fans of The Great British Bake Off can't wait to get their hands on Mary Berry's Recipe for Life.
Mary Berry is well known as the author of more than sixty cookery books, including her bestselling Aga book. She has presented several television cookery series and is a judge on 'The Great British Bake Off'. She contributes to radio programmes and cookery magazines, and is loved for her practical and unfussy approach to preparing and serving food. She gives many demonstrations around the country and when at home loves being with her family and tending to her lovely garden, her other great passion.
