This is an omnibus of five works by M.F.K. Fisher. I will review each work separately, since I have different reactions to her different writings.
"Serve it Forth" - ****Now I understand why this woman is one of the most popular food writers ever. The first book I read by her did not leave me with this understanding, but this one was delightful. A collection of thoughts on eating throughout history and places. She muses about things, each chapter its own little essay. I love her use of the language, her considerations of food and eating and people and what it all means. Her sly and sneaky, understated humor. Very pleased with this read.

"Consider the Oyster" - *****This was a delightful, relaxing and amusing read. It triggered many happy family moments with my grandmother, mother and brother. The little casserole of oyster stuffing at Thanksgiving for those few of us who loved it, and the massive one of sausage dressing for the rest. The wonderful canned, smoked oysters in my stocking for Christmas, which were mine to eat alone and not share! The breakfasts and lunches with my brother and mother of Hangtown Fry, or simply fried oysters (made the way my grandmother made them, dipped in flour, beaten eggs and crushed cracker crumbs, then fried quickly in butter, never overcooked). Especially the vacation in Baja California where mom and grandma (the only ones to appreciate raw oysters) plucked them out of the sea and we feasted on scallops (which my brothers brought back from diving) and oysters. So, like a great meal is more than the food eaten, this book was more than the words in it. The author's remembrances would bring back my own and we could mingle and enjoy them together.

"How to Cook a Wolfe" - Read and reviewed elsewhere.

"The Gastronomical Me" - ****This is a very personal book. She alludes to many things without saying them, but after I read her bio on Wikipedia, the puzzles clicked into place and made for a rather sad story. How she managed to write through that sadness is amazing to me. This is also a woman who holds no punches in how she sees others. Each chapter is based on her food experiences in the very trying times of her life, each leads to growth and change.

"An Alphabet for Gourmets" - *** A miscellany of thoughts on food and the eating thereof. I don't think I would enjoy cooking many of her recipes, but I like the way she talks about food. I must say that she contradicts herself frequently though. She talks about plain and simple food being the best, then complains when others serve it. She laments seldom being invited to dine with others because she is intimidating to them, then proceeds to dissect others and their way of cooking and eating and pass harsh judgment upon them, seemingly never pleased. I'm afraid much of that may be what the "style" of wit and writing in her day demanded. ( )