I adore this book.

Printed in 1939, it contains recipes, stories and social commentary. The recipes aren't all edible, in my opinion, but really interesting anyway. One of my favorite bits follows.

"The "buffet" manner of eating a meal is becoming, I think, increasingly popular. The formal style of dining has its attendant horrors--such as finding oneself stuck with a dinner partner in whom one could not possibly develop the least interest even in a thousand years of acquaintance. The buffet eliminates this. Over the cocktails you have probably started an interesting chat with someone you like--or you have fallen for one of the opposite sex. When the time comes to eat you are able to continue your talk or carry your ulterior motives a little further and undisturbed. If, a little later, you discover you have chosen wrong, you may, under the pretence of seeking another roll, gradually get out of a spot and light somewhere else."

Awesomeness.