Nan K. Chase

I picked this book up on a whim from my local library, and fell in love. I've been dabbling with the idea of making my own wine, looking up the occasional how to when I come across a post on pinterest that looks interesting, but this book pushed me over the edge, and I now can't wait to try making my own wines & meads (I'm researching sources of local honey now in preparation!) I discovered wild grapes on my property, and not being a big fan of grape jelly (which is what I made last year), I'd much rather turn them into wine!

The book has gorgeous photographs, is very well laid out, explains all the steps (and most important to me, doesn't just tell you what to do, but explains why doing something this way is so important, so instead of just telling you how to make wine, it educates you). It's a must for any gardener looking for alternate ways to preserving their crops.… (plus d'informations)

Nan Chase's history of Asheville explores two main aspects of the western North Carolina city: the origins of the Art-Deco architecture evident in its buildings and the rise of the modern downtown renaissance after decades of depression and a boom-and-bust economy. The chapters on the Biltmore Estate and the architecture style of the city are probably the best. The writing is accompanied by great historical pictures, from the moments buildings were first erected, to the early mountain-situated cityscape. Recommended to any one who has been enthralled by Asheville and would like to know more about its storied origins.… (plus d'informations)