For all you out there denouncing this book, I think you simply just didn't know what you were purchasing. Yes, I am dissapointed in the lack of recipes (hence the four stars) and the zen-like reflection on food can be a bit much, but this is a mix between poetry and photography. It is also meant to stimulate your mind. Most of the pictures are representations of the food. One is not paying for drops of consumme on an illuminated plate or table at Gagnaire's restaurant. You are supposed to imagine, reinvent the food that is on the page. Its meant to be appreciated, not copied. You see foie gras and hazelnuts on the page? Try and cook it in a way that sounds good to you...