Magical Narcissism: Selected Writings on Books, Writers, Food, and Chefs

Sometimes caustic, sometimes celebratory, and always entertaining, the pieces in this collection represent the best from 15 years of writing by journalist and critic Shaun Smith and investigate his two great loves: books and food. He ventures to pig roasts in southern Ontario and northern Spain, wonders why people want books defaced by author autographs, sings the praises of invention, and laments a dearth of donuts, while also exploring questions such as What has happened to Bret Easton Ellis’ ego? Why does Ferran Adrià reject the gastronomy he invented? Who was the poet that punched her husband in the face? Why is David Sedaris broken in the wrong way? When is it comforting to eat spleen? and Where did Timothy Taylor take a wrong turn? In addition, Smith tackles works by luminaries such as Steve Martin, Joan Didion, Douglas Coupland, Tom Perrotta, Iain Banks, Christopher Hitchens, Heston Blumenthal, Susur Lee, Bonnie Stern, Jeffrey Steingarten, and A.A. Gill.