Although The Handmade Loaf was the first bread book I ever bought, it was this little handbook by Daniel Stevens that taught me some of the basics about making bread. It starts by giving you a good understanding of the processes involved in the various stages of making bread which is thorough enough without blinding you with science. Indeed the first basic bread recipes don't turn up until page 76! There's a good introduction to sourdough too and the method employed of preparing an overnight sponge is still my basic weekend method. The photography is lovely, educational as well as aesthetically pleasing. Definitely a book I would consider giving as a gift to someone interested in starting making their own bread. Any one else read this book?
