Harvest of the cold months: the social history of ice and ices (Penguin Cookery Library)

This is a social history of ice, rather than a practical cook-book. It covers the history of the use of ice in food and drink from its Middle-Eastern origins, and its gradual spreading through Western countries. It gives information on the early means of preserving it, and mentions travellers' tales of coming upon iced drinks for the first time. There is also some personal anecdote based on the author's experiences in India and the Far East.