La Bonne Table

You probably know Bemelmans best as the author of the children's book, Madeline, or perhaps from his illustrations in The New Yorker magazine. With the same charm, Bemelmans delights the reader with a collection of essays about his gastronomic world. A must for the traveler and particularly the true foodie. An easy read that I return to periodically just for fun.

I love Bemelmans' memoir-styled character profiles of old New York (and old Hollywood) of a bygone era. Of his short stories about life growing up in a hotel and colorful caricature profiles of all the eccentric characters; La Bonne Table is the best! But some of the stories are repeated (ie: stories in "When you Lunch with the Emperor" also appear here). He still narrates in the same eloquent manner in the same way he writes his Madeline series for children. As a child, I enjoyed reading Madeline and this is definitely a more grown up treat which still has the narrative style of the Bemelmans whose writings I grew up with.

I am two thirds through this book and I am thoroughly charmed. The stories and sketches by Ludwig Bemelmans are delightful and witty. I must go back to Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle with this new found knowledge. What a treasure he is.

The book is priceless. A great insight into the person who is behind the La Madeleine book series that I have loved so much. Each chapter and illustrations are adorable. I have only a handful of books that I keep to reread or treasure and this is one of them! It is fun to snoop into behind the scenes of the fancy hotels and its operations, day to day activities and relationships between various hierarchy of employees of the hotels. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment reading this book!

I loved the Madeline series and when I started to read more about the life of Ludwig Bemelmans I was fascinated with his story. This book is the ultimate compilation of his writings put together lovingly by these two authors who knew him personally. I'm lucky to now own this original to cherish in my collection.

Well written and a wonderful read. I'd recommend it to all fans of Bemelmans. Easy read too. Well worth the cost.

Humorous stories from an era long gone.

so many good stories.

Für Menschen mit Humor. Lesen Sie auch andere Bemelmans Bücher, alle sind sehr gut. Text und Zeichnungen köstlich und ironisch.