For centuries, cookbooks were almost entirely about the food prepared for the upper classes; it wasn't until the 19th century, when Eliza Acton wrote "Modern Cookery for Private Families", that recipes were designed, structured and written for ordinary folks. Fast forward over a century, and recipe books are available for every possible budget, style and skill level. From books about teaching kids to cook, to Yotam Ottolenghi's restaurant-focused NOPI, there's something for everyone. Learn to bake, master the BBQ, learn charcuterie, or simply drool over beautiful photographs of dishes from the world's best chefs - every bookshelf needs a few cookbooks. They also make great gift ideas for the foodie in your life.