ALS to Melissa Bakewell from Elizabeth David about ‘A Matter of Taste’

DAVID, Elizabeth 
ALS letter to Melissa Bakewell on the subject of ‘A Matter of Taste’ 
London: 1987
 
Two-sided notecard (10.5 x 15cm), with David’s personalised emblem to upper left hand corner, and her address printed to foot; written on both sides in black ink; slight toning and the tiniest mark to edge; otherwise near-fine. 
 
The letter, signed by Elizabeth David to Melissa Bakewell of the BBC, discusses the radio programme ‘A matter of taste’, which first aired on the 8th January 1987 on Radio 4. Reminiscing on the life and work of David’s success since the publication of ‘A Book of Mediterranean Food’ (1950), chefs and publishers from around the world came together to celebrate the writer, with guests ranging from etiquette writer Drusilla Beyfus to publisher John Lehmann and French chef Michel Roux. 
 
In the card, David mentions Anne Scott James (one of Britain’s first female career journalists), John Lehmann (who published many of her books), Michel Roux and Hugh Johnson (often considered the world’s best-selling writer on the subject of wine), and writes that she wanted to thank them for their work and support on the programme. “All these people were so kind”, she says, “that it was almost embarrassing.” She continues that she “didn’t care for Eleanor Bron’s reading, she made my writing sound so boring I began to wonder why on earth anybody ever bought my books” and continues to inform Bakewell that “Prue Leith seems to be upset about something she said which she didn’t mean…I’ve written to reassure her that no offence taken.” She signs the card ‘Lots of good wishes Elizabeth David’. 
 
Melissa Bakewell worked as Head of Plays for the BBC before compiling a series of biographical features for radio which included subjects as diverse as Celia Fiennes, Dickens, Leigh Hunt and Byron.  
 
An illuminating notecard by this popular cook and writer.