2007-11-23 for the woman who has (bought) everything

I'm always suspicious of anthologies - they usually re-collate things one has read a hundred times before. This anthology, however, takes in Jane Carlyle, Jane Austen, and Justine Picardie; there are a few old favourites (Scruples, Bridget Jones) but a lot of absolute delights (Isabella Bird, Lady Burton) and a date range from the 1400s to right now. Poverty-line household budgets? check. First World War officer provisions? check. It's a fascinating mix of social history and complete frivolity. It doesn't hurt that the book looks like a gift package from the very famous jeweller with the pale blue boxes. Seriously, if you have no idea what to buy her for Christmas, Valentine's, Easter, anniversary, birthday - this is the book.