JAMES BARBER’S PASSION
We buy cookbooks in moments of passion. We want them to bring pleasure and give pleasure, along with joy and happiness and most usually, togetherness.
(James Barber, Peasant’s Choice, 1994)
Bringing pleasure and giving pleasure, joy, and happiness, and most of all togetherness is what James Barber’s cookbooks gave to him and what he generously shared with so many.
Now we are celebrating that spirit with this special sharing of his cookbook library with all of you, friends and colleagues and fellow passionate people.
On September 23rd from noon to 5 p.m. you have a unique opportunity to share in James’ passion for cooking and cookbooks, for sharing with friends, and to be a part of Vancouver’s cultural and culinary history. Come join us when James Barber’s substantial library of cookbooks is offered in an informal ‘trunk sale’ at Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks and as a fundraiser to benefit Providence Farm, a therapeutic community on a working organic farm in the Cowichan Valley and one of James’s special charities.
“James started collecting books in the 60’s and the collection grew and grew over the decades,” says his widow, wine writer Christina Burridge.
“It really was like opening a treasure chest, but in this case, several treasure chests, of books. There are some real gems in the collection,” says Barbara-jo McIntosh, a long-time friend of James and Christina. “It’s a privilege to be able to offer these books to the public.”
As evidenced by his TV programs, columns and books, James brought fun and curiosity to all things culinary and his cookbook collection reflects this eclectic taste. Everything from classic European to Frugal (one of his favourite categories!), and with some excellent reference books, you are bound to find something special for you and your friends. Out of James’s first cookbook, Ginger Tea Makes Friends, Barbara-Jo’s will be serving ginger tea, ginger cookies and ‘gingertinis to eager attendees.
One day only, September 23 from noon to 5 p.m. – please join Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to find some culinary treasure while raising much needed funds for a good cause.
Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks is located at 1740 West 2nd Avenue (a half block east of Burrard St.) in Vancouver’s ‘Armoury District.’ www.bookstocooks.com
