Paris to the Pyrenees: David Downie

Published by Tuesday, April 1, 2014 Permalink 0

Jonell Galloway, The Rambling EpicureParis to the Pyrenees: A Review of David Downie’s Book

 

by Jonell Galloway

CoverParisPyrenees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Paris to the Pyrenees, David Downie takes us right along with him on the Way of St. James, without our ever leaving our armchairs. As stated in the subtitle, “A Skeptic Pilgrim Walks the Ways of St James,” we’re not talking about a conventional pilgrim, so we don’t expect his transformations to be like those of traditional Christians. But then, the Way of St. James, like so many pilgrim routes in the world, becomes a spiritual journey spreading well beyond the confines of Christianity.

 

St. James Camino Scallop Shel lMarker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Downie makes it a personal journey, full of the classical culture and history he knows so well, and we have the pleasure of experiencing it along with him. His journey through classicism and French history becomes ours, as we learn about the Druids, the Galls, the Romans, former French President François Mitterand, and much more; as he carries around a stone he was convinced had magical power because it looked like a scallop shell, until it becomes too heavy to carry; as we wolf down hearty French meals and sup coarse local wine after a long day of walking, before we fall like a stone into bed.

Author of Paris to the Pyrenees. A S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And though we might not receive penance, we end the journey all the richer in knowledge, having read a good tale, too. The book is a latter-day Canterbury Tales, with a varied lot of pilgrims, locals, and farmers all along the way. Alison Harris’ photos are in perfect harmony with Downie’s narrative. You’ll want to wear a scallop shell around your neck after reading this book.

Other sources of information about the book: NPR, 3 Quarks Daily, Boston Globe, Bonjour Paris

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Critics’ Café: Book Review, Food Wine Burgundy, by David Downie and Alison Harris

Published by Friday, January 21, 2011 Permalink 0

by Jonell Galloway

I have written many a guidebook, I have used many a guidebook, and I know Burgundy pretty darned well, but this exquisite book, Food Wine Burgundy,  is like none other. It is chock full of information not found in any other book I’ve seen about Burgundy. It is Burgundy for those who want to discover Burgundy for the first time, but it is also Burgundy for those who, like me, already know Burgundy and want to know it still more.

Downie is a writer’s writer, a writer for those who appreciate good writing, yet his writing is clear and accessible to all. His lucid manner of presenting and describing food and wine make you feel confident that he has done his homework (which he has; this book is 20 years in the making) and that you can rely on his recommendations. He not only has an amazing depth of knowledge about food, wine, and history, but he weaves it all together in an amazing, catchy prose not seen in modern-day guidebooks. He has a love of “terroir”; of what the land has to offer, of earthy food and wine. He seems to have the nose of a truffle hog, because in the addresses we’ve tried so far and already know, we’ve never found him to be off the mark.

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