Acquired Tastes

By Peter Mayle

Book Overview

In Acquired Tastes , Peter Mayle, the erudite sojourner and New York Times bestselling author of A Year in Provence , sets off once more, traveling the world in search of the very best life has to offer. Whether telling us where to buy the world's best caviar or how to order a pair of thirteen-hundred-dollar custom-made shoes, advising us on the high cost of keeping a mistress in style or the pros and cons of households servants, he covers everything the well-heeled-and those vicariously so inclined-need to know to enjoy the good life. From gastronomy to matrimony, from the sartorial to the baronial, Acquired Tastes is Peter Mayle's most delicious book yet-an irreverently spiced smorgasbord of rich dishes you're sure to enjoy. Praise for Acquired Tastes "Mr. Mayle is a writer who never fails to entertain. If he were told to go forth and write about doorknobs, he would return with a witty, perceptive essay." - The New York Times Book Review "One of the finest modern writers on matters that deal with taste." -Craig Claiborne "Much, much fun-and best read with a magnum of Dom Perignon and a four-pound tin of Beluga caviar." - Kirkus Reviews "Witty and stylish . . . These hilarious essays are vintage Mayle." -James Villas, author of The French Country Kitchen "This delightful celebration of the little (and not-so-little) extravagances that make life worth living scintillates with wit, brio and trenchant observations" - Publishers Weekly "Intriguing." - Chicago Sun-Times

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553371835
• ISBN13: 9780553371833
• Release Date: April 1993
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Very Entertaining

Peter Mayle's book "Acquired Tastes" like all his other books about Provence are wonderful. It's the next best thing to being there. I'm so sorry that he's gone and that there won't be any more of them. I've read all of them now but I know that I will re-read them for the pure joy that they bring me.

Expensive Habits

I have read this book 15 years ago and own all other books by Peter Mayle. I have been trying to get hold of a copy for the past 6 years. Like in all his books, a sketch of a life many of us can only dream of. But the vivid images the book inspires, bring these dreams to life. Thanks for the mint condition product

Aquired Tastes....a favorite!

I love all things "Peter Mayle!" He's just so fun to read! Aquired Tastes is witty and even a little wild!

Fun, even if you can't afford to do the things described!

The first time I saw this book, I was at the local library and the title caught my eye. When I saw that Peter Mayle was the author, I expected that I would enjoy it. I was not disappointed.Whether you are rich, know people who are, or just enjoy imagining what you'd do with great wealth, this book offers an array of amusing possibilities. Mr. Mayle's best attribute as a writer is his ability to be witty without sacrificing erudition, and this book delivers on both counts.My favorite chapter, without question, is the one about buying a vacation home; first because I know a few people who own second homes, and second because it's probably the only thing mentioned in the book that I'll ever be able to afford. Mr. Mayle offers an intriguing suggestion of how to savor the pleasures of a second home without any of the potential pitfalls. I haven't yet decided if I'll buy a vacation house or choose the Mayle method, but in the meantime, this book has been a great gift for friends and relatives who have taken the plunge.In short, the best reason to buy this book is that it's fun.

A light-hearted stroll through the finer things

In Expensive Habits, Peter Mayle takes us along as he savors luxuries ranging from hand-rolled cigars to spending sprees in Manhattan. He appropriately relates some of these delicacies light-heartedly and accords others the respect they deserve, always amusing and charming us along the way. This book is far from being a snob's record of his indulgences. Peter Mayle, while obviously fond of quality, is by his own admission a man of modest circumstances. Thus he shares such experiences as being fitted for custom shoes and taking a private jet across France for lunch with the tone of a friendly guide for those of us who have to ask. Not only do we get the vicarious experience of having custom shoes made, we also come to understand that there's a good reason why this luxury costs as much as it does. Then there are expensive burdens thrust upon us that can hardly be considered among life's finer things. Mayle playfully offers Christmas, being sued, and having guests as examples of social strains that quickly lighten wallets and fray nerves. Perhaps my favorite line from the book, in the chapter about second homes: "And I have never liked imposing myself on friends for extended stays ('Fish and guests smell at three days old' is a Danish proverb that puts it succinctly)." Whether you're looking to find a way to pamper yourself, or just to see how green the grass really is on the other side of the millionaire's security gate, you'll enjoy this book.

Acquired Tastes

I thought this book was great! I could read it again and again. I especially enjoyed reading about the experience of buying shoes. It was difficult to come back to reality after drooling over this book's vivid descriptions of privileges of the super-rich. Now I know where I'm going to spend my lotto winnings! Wish me luck!