Leipoldt's Cellar & Kitchen is a delectable, amusing, insightful record of cultural and social history at the Cape, delightfully observed and nostalgically expressed by the pre-eminent connoisseur of Cape cookery.

Leipoldt writes about food and wine expressively as a poet, authoritatively as a medical doctor and botanist, and with the humility of the expert enthusiast. The ingredients of this title spring both literally and metaphorically from the soil of South Africa, articulating and preserving wonderful facets of Afrikaans culture and heritage.

This is not only a title for the cook and the connoisseur, but for everyone able to appreciate exquisite prose, for everyone interested in encountering one of our great poets writing about something that fascinated him throughout his life - the preparation of good food and the enjoyment and value of wine.

The unfolding saga of a Western Cape town climbing out of the shadow of slavery into early Victorian settled prosperity. Based on the history of Clanwilliam in Southern Namaqualand, where he was brought up, in Chameleon on the Gallows Leipoldt tells the story of the rehabilitating Everardus and his courageous wife Magriet, of the legendary Widow Priem, horsebreeder, and her shy strolling player lover, the Frenchman Pierre. Other goings-on of great moment are recorded, leading to this unforgettable community's election of their first parliamentary representatives.