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Acquired Tastes
In Acquired Tastes , Peter Mayle, the erudite sojourner and New York Times bestselling author of A Year in Provence , sets off once more, traveling the world in search of the very best life has to offer. Whether telling us where to buy the world’s best caviar or how to order a pair of thirteen-hundred-dollar custom-made shoes, advising us on the high cost of keeping a mistress in style or the pros and cons of households servants, he covers everything the well-heeled—and those vicariously so inclined—need to know to enjoy the good life.
From gastronomy to matrimony, from the sartorial to the baronial, Acquired Tastes is Peter Mayle’s most delicious book yet—an irreverently spiced smorgasbord of rich dishes you’re sure to enjoy.
Praise for Acquired Tastes
“Mr. Mayle is a writer who never fails to entertain. If he were told to go forth and write about doorknobs, he would return with a witty, perceptive essay.” — The New York Times Book Review
“One of the finest modern writers on matters that deal with taste.” —Craig Claiborne
“Much, much fun—and best read with a magnum of Dom Pérignon and a four-pound tin of Beluga caviar.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Witty and stylish . . . These hilarious essays are vintage Mayle.” —James Villas, author of The French Country Kitchen
“This delightful celebration of the little (and not-so-little) extravagances that make life worth living scintillates with wit, brio and trenchant observations” — Publishers Weekly
“Intriguing.” — Chicago Sun-Times
From gastronomy to matrimony, from the sartorial to the baronial, Acquired Tastes is Peter Mayle’s most delicious book yet—an irreverently spiced smorgasbord of rich dishes you’re sure to enjoy.
Praise for Acquired Tastes
“Mr. Mayle is a writer who never fails to entertain. If he were told to go forth and write about doorknobs, he would return with a witty, perceptive essay.” — The New York Times Book Review
“One of the finest modern writers on matters that deal with taste.” —Craig Claiborne
“Much, much fun—and best read with a magnum of Dom Pérignon and a four-pound tin of Beluga caviar.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Witty and stylish . . . These hilarious essays are vintage Mayle.” —James Villas, author of The French Country Kitchen
“This delightful celebration of the little (and not-so-little) extravagances that make life worth living scintillates with wit, brio and trenchant observations” — Publishers Weekly
“Intriguing.” — Chicago Sun-Times
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 1991
104 people are currently reading
1047 people want to read
About the author
Peter Mayle
137 books1,295 followersPeter Mayle was a British author famous for his series of books detailing life in Provence, France. He spent fifteen years in advertising before leaving the business in 1975 to write educational books, including a series on sex education for children and young people. In 1989, A Year in Provence was published and became an international bestseller. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages, and he was a contributing writer to magazines and newspapers. Indeed, his seventh book, A Year in Provence, chronicles a year in the life of a British expatriate who settled in the village of Ménerbes. His book A Good Year was the basis for the eponymous 2006 film directed by Ridley Scott and starring actor Russell Crowe. Peter Mayle died in Provence, France.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
November 22, 2012
Although Robin Sachs could make reading the phone book sound interesting and Peter Mayle's dry sense of humor is always amusing, these essays originally printed in Esquire and published in compilation in 1992 is suprisingly out of date. Mayle pokes fun at the excesses of life but after what's been happening in the couple of decades, those things just don't seem as funny. There were certain chapters that were definitely amusing and the food chapters made me wish I had more money. Having been written for Esquire these essays are all geared toward men, cigar smoking and other male dominated activities but women will still find them mildly amusing. If it weren't for Robin Sachs, you could give this a miss entirely but Sachs evokes Mayle so well that you do want to be him, if only for a few weeks at the Connaught.
December 15, 2022
So much fun!
The most extreme of french decadence as seen through the eyes of an Englishman, and described with glorious (but well-meaning) sarcasm, as no such words can be written by one who does not partake in such bacchanalian pleasures. FABULOUS!
And more amazing still, I just saw that his other, bestselling book, A Good Year, was the inspiration behind the fantastically enjoyable 2006 film directed by Ridley Scott and starring actor Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard. Worth a read and a look if you haven't seen it, just make sure you have a [very good] quality wine opened and breathing in front of you!
The most extreme of french decadence as seen through the eyes of an Englishman, and described with glorious (but well-meaning) sarcasm, as no such words can be written by one who does not partake in such bacchanalian pleasures. FABULOUS!
And more amazing still, I just saw that his other, bestselling book, A Good Year, was the inspiration behind the fantastically enjoyable 2006 film directed by Ridley Scott and starring actor Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard. Worth a read and a look if you haven't seen it, just make sure you have a [very good] quality wine opened and breathing in front of you!
December 11, 2015
Peter Mayle at his irreverent, highly humorous best. This book was published in 1992, so I feared it would be dated. To the contrary, since the finer things in life remain the same across the years, much of the book was as relevant today as ever. We learn about the joys of finely tailored clothing, handmade hats and shoes and about single-malt Scotch. Of course, cigars also make the list. Mayle educates us while keeping us snickering at his wry observations on the world of the finer things.
February 24, 2023
This set of tongue in cheek essays of a fortunate man aspiring toward the various luxuries and conceits of his time and gender and class is skillful, but it doesn’t travel well over time and thus lacks the humor that’s intended and likely performed much better at the time.
December 21, 2015
Some of the chapters were interesting. I enjoyed reading about the custom made shirts and shoes. But when I read him write about choosing between buying an apartment in London, then deciding it was cheaper to just pay 9 thousand a week to rent a hotel room he lost me. He started the book by telling how he could only afford to do these things because his publisher would pay the bills, then talks about paying 9000 a week at a hotel. Umm, yeah. Honey, you are very far from being a poor writer.
October 21, 2008
I didn't like book at all. No substance, repeated themes from his Provence series and generally uninformative. The premise started out appealing but when I got into it there was very little information to review and the scenarios weren't bery imaginiative.
May 24, 2017
Witty, concise and loaded with arcane and fun information! Many truths in the section about houseguests! (If you live in a tourist destination, be prepared!)
February 10, 2025
I waffled a lot between giving this book 3 stars or 4 stars. I very much enjoy Peter Mayle's writing style -- casual wit and detailed description -- and in that dimension this book does not disappoint. My quibble is that the stories in this book were not equally engaging. The book is a collection of stories originally published in magazines that are only very loosely connected by theme. Some of them are 5-star stories. More of them are not. None of the stories are bad, but many of them did not captivate me. I think I settled on 4 stars because... well, I really enjoy Peter Mayle's writing style.
November 26, 2017
Якщо осінь от-от розчавить ваш настрій своєю вологою похмурістю, а зима вже виглядає з-за рогу, погрожуючи першим снігом, я розумію, що треба терміново поспішати на свій острівець затишку і релаксу. Найпростіший спосіб туди потрапити – через книжки Пітера Мейла.
Цього разу читання було менше про Францію, більше про світ. Світ заможних людей, їх дорогих покупок і атрибутів, що вимагають спустошення гаманця та нерідко є джерелом постійних проблем. Можна посміятися над нелегким життям багатих людей, а можна впізнати і свої власні таргани в цьому божевільному коловороті споживання. І хоча хтось нарікає, що книжка не інформативна, я завжди знаю, що знайду з Мейлом спільну мову.
Цього разу читання було менше про Францію, більше про світ. Світ заможних людей, їх дорогих покупок і атрибутів, що вимагають спустошення гаманця та нерідко є джерелом постійних проблем. Можна посміятися над нелегким життям багатих людей, а можна впізнати і свої власні таргани в цьому божевільному коловороті споживання. І хоча хтось нарікає, що книжка не інформативна, я завжди знаю, що знайду з Мейлом спільну мову.
April 30, 2009
Mayle set out to sample the excesses of the wealthy. The problem with having serious money is that one can never be satisfied. Nothing is ever just right. "Expectations tend to increase in direct proportion to the amount of money being spent, and if you're spending a fortune you expect perfection." Consider cutlery that is so expensive the hostess is required by her insurance broker to count it after each meal and lock it in the safe. Or the slightly under-boiled breakfast egg; or the chauffeur with a hint of garlic on his breath. You see the problem.
Of course, the wealthy are constantly being sued, so it's important to understand lawyers who create a language only they can understand. It's also imperative they never admit to being wrong, for it would tarnish their aura of omniscience. "The best way to avoid being wrong is to never state a clear opinion. And every case has the infamous' gray area' which allows lawyers to say absolutely nothing in a highly professional manner."
Unless, of course, your case happens to be identical to a case that was decided fifty years ago, in which case you have precedent. Precedent is a wonderful tool because "it permits law-yers to be decisive without having to take any responsibility for the decision." Litigation is, of course, one of the hobbies of the rich.
Christmas is another occasion rendered impossible by ''The Man Who Has Everything" Stores stock their counters with bizarre, unsalable items that normally would not get a second glance. At Christmas, everything sells. Rarely, a gift is received that brings joy to the callous heart. "I have a friend whose dislike of Christmas is matched only by his profound aversion to his mother-in-law, whose annual visit is the low point of his year. But one Christmas Eve, in addition to the customary necktie, she gave him the flu. It was necessary that he retire to bed, congested but happy, until she left on New Year's Day. He s aid it was the first time he hadn't wanted to take a gift of hers back and exchange it."
The secret to being rich is to flaunt. Why bother "eating plover's eggs and wearing four-ply cashmere sweaters" if everyone else can afford them too. Christmas, which started as a simple religious holiday, has managed to establish itself as the "universal expensive habit ... a commercial orgy with a Pentagonsized budget... Otherwise sensible people give serious consideration to the attractions of multilingual speak-your-weight machine s, platinum toothpicks ... personalized replicas of nineteenth-century spittoons, and luminous bedroom slippers. "
Of course, the wealthy are constantly being sued, so it's important to understand lawyers who create a language only they can understand. It's also imperative they never admit to being wrong, for it would tarnish their aura of omniscience. "The best way to avoid being wrong is to never state a clear opinion. And every case has the infamous' gray area' which allows lawyers to say absolutely nothing in a highly professional manner."
Unless, of course, your case happens to be identical to a case that was decided fifty years ago, in which case you have precedent. Precedent is a wonderful tool because "it permits law-yers to be decisive without having to take any responsibility for the decision." Litigation is, of course, one of the hobbies of the rich.
Christmas is another occasion rendered impossible by ''The Man Who Has Everything" Stores stock their counters with bizarre, unsalable items that normally would not get a second glance. At Christmas, everything sells. Rarely, a gift is received that brings joy to the callous heart. "I have a friend whose dislike of Christmas is matched only by his profound aversion to his mother-in-law, whose annual visit is the low point of his year. But one Christmas Eve, in addition to the customary necktie, she gave him the flu. It was necessary that he retire to bed, congested but happy, until she left on New Year's Day. He s aid it was the first time he hadn't wanted to take a gift of hers back and exchange it."
The secret to being rich is to flaunt. Why bother "eating plover's eggs and wearing four-ply cashmere sweaters" if everyone else can afford them too. Christmas, which started as a simple religious holiday, has managed to establish itself as the "universal expensive habit ... a commercial orgy with a Pentagonsized budget... Otherwise sensible people give serious consideration to the attractions of multilingual speak-your-weight machine s, platinum toothpicks ... personalized replicas of nineteenth-century spittoons, and luminous bedroom slippers. "
May 8, 2015
Oh, how I enjoyed this book. A collection of magazine articles written for GQ and Esquire, Acquired Tastes chronicles Mayle's exploration of the finer things in life, from bespoke shirts and hand-made shoes to truffles and champagne. Mayle, the lucky man, was able to expense these out in the name of research - would that we were all so lucky - and balances between sincere appreciation (hotels that refrain from covering a room with "self-congratulatory literature-those overwritten puffs . . . to promote their bars and restaurants and telex machines and conference facilities")and tongue-in-cheek (a detailed list of the expenses one should consider before investing in a mistress). The stories were not only entertaining, I gleaned quite a bit of information - none of which will probably be of any practical use, but if there's ever a caviar question on trivia night, I've got it covered.
Mayle decides that owning a second-home, while lovely in theory, is actually more trouble than it's worth in actuality - staying at a nice hotel is a much better deal. Likewise, I don't foresee spending $1,000 on a four-ply Mongolian cashmere sweater from Berk's any time soon - reading about the experience, is more than enough to keep me smiling.
Mayle decides that owning a second-home, while lovely in theory, is actually more trouble than it's worth in actuality - staying at a nice hotel is a much better deal. Likewise, I don't foresee spending $1,000 on a four-ply Mongolian cashmere sweater from Berk's any time soon - reading about the experience, is more than enough to keep me smiling.
October 19, 2021
This book was written thirty years ago, and has not aged well. Obviously trying to cash in on the popularity of his books about living in Provence, he wrote this supposedly tongue-in-cheek book about what he considered to be the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Seen with today’s eyes, his tastes are decidedly British and stodgy – and also fairly naïve for today’s jaded tastes. His chapter on the joys of limousines with tinted glass windows is almost comical today when every 17-year-old seemingly has that experience going to their Junior Prom. Stick with his original two or three books and forget all the rest.
April 28, 2022
It might have been a year since I last , a review for Goodreads due to some very absorbing things in my life, but I am back now, and I am trying to finish some books I started, but never finished, but this was one I hadn't even started until a few days ago, and the late Peter Mayle had me again, laughing out loud and examining how he used language and united his figurative language with such irony -- loved it. Now over several years, I have read everything he published, I think, and I will keep an eye out for anything I can get my hands on that I missed, or I will start re-reading some. I had stayed in the Luberon for more than a week in the middle '90's, and I sought out some of his locals while staying in beautiful Gordes -- so wonderful. I miss him, but his humor is eternal.
RIP, Peter Mayle.
RIP, Peter Mayle.
March 30, 2020
A collection of laughing gems on (mostly) male gender(aka "gentleman")'s expensive habits, "I'll be suing you", "In defense of scrooge" are particularly amusing to me.
Though he showed little envy when being sarcastic, he was audacious when bragged being pampered with old-fashioned luxuries (e.g."The handmade hotel"). Only slightly outdated (regardless of inflation and fad), it's both a ridicule and a boost for the spending habit of super wealthy (1% and beyond) and elite well bred. "The writing habit" and "Cher ami" are mixed in to reflect some genuine emotions of the grass roots.
Though he showed little envy when being sarcastic, he was audacious when bragged being pampered with old-fashioned luxuries (e.g."The handmade hotel"). Only slightly outdated (regardless of inflation and fad), it's both a ridicule and a boost for the spending habit of super wealthy (1% and beyond) and elite well bred. "The writing habit" and "Cher ami" are mixed in to reflect some genuine emotions of the grass roots.
April 14, 2020
Peter Mayle was an advertising executive but was tired of the corporate world.
He had always been curious about how the rich and entitled really lived. So he made
a deal with GQ magazine to "go forth" and research the subject but check with
Accounting before spending. This he did not do, but researching for this book
was a hilarious ride. I laughed out loud and would certainly recommend this
book!
He had always been curious about how the rich and entitled really lived. So he made
a deal with GQ magazine to "go forth" and research the subject but check with
Accounting before spending. This he did not do, but researching for this book
was a hilarious ride. I laughed out loud and would certainly recommend this
book!
August 5, 2012
I enjoyed this book tremendously. It gave me a glimpse of how the rich and famous live. It made me wish that I had a rich friend so I can experience some of the things they talk about in the book. I really enjoyed the details that the author describe when he talks about handmade clothing, gourmet food and other things rich people enjoy. I highly recommend this book.
June 1, 2017
Elegance is the key
This is the first time I read Peter Mayle's book and I must say that I am floored by his writing style. Acquired Tastes speaks of luxury and decadence that also can cost a lot. Mayle's research into each of these is thorough which makes this book a fascinating read.
This is the first time I read Peter Mayle's book and I must say that I am floored by his writing style. Acquired Tastes speaks of luxury and decadence that also can cost a lot. Mayle's research into each of these is thorough which makes this book a fascinating read.
February 3, 2013
This is a fabulous book, beautifully written and fascinating. I found it in a bookstore in Naples Florida and it made me a permanent fan of Peter Mayle. I have read this book over and over again; I never get tired of it.
May 5, 2020
This book had me hooked right from the first sentence. I haven’t finished an entire book in a day since I was in elementary school. This is one of those once in a lifetime books, the kind, which for me, gave me goosebumps upon finishing it.
February 8, 2021
Обзор самых дорогостоящих продуктов и предметов быта, расточительных причуд и атрибутов сладкой жизни, со всеми их плюсами и минусами, написанный в форме эссе, полных юмора и тонких наблюдений. Питер Мейл, как всегда, доставляет огромное удовольствие своим мастерством
March 26, 2018
Highly amusing.
June 16, 2020
Informative and quite quite amusing.
November 15, 2022
Urbane, witty, sly, and amusing.
December 19, 2022
Love Peter Mayle!!!
May 19, 2023
Reading through this book where Peter Mayle tries things that rich people do, I began to suspect that he is, in fact, rich.
Collected short articles that are fun to read but not spectacular.
Collected short articles that are fun to read but not spectacular.
April 7, 2020
At first, I was afraid this was going to be another mindless love letter to ridiculous extravagance, as I'd just attempted to read Miriam Keyes' "Making it Up as I Go Along," and put down that book in disgust when she gleefully described her hoarded, unused Chanel nail polishes as a "museum."
But Mayle tells you right up front that he has a modest lifestyle, making it seem that this was all he could afford (while still dropping over 1,000 pounds on a single hat or almost as much on a shirt). Somehow, though, the search for exquisite quality--for having a few things that will last a lifetime rather than buying a lot of everything--made this book bearable.
As a woman, I am clearly not Mayle's intended reader. Every place he goes is a gentleman's exclusive domain, and females are only mentioned as forms of entertainment, with our thighs the perfect table to roll a cigar on--seriously! This continuous, blissfully ignorant sexism began to grate on me after a while. I realize he was from a different era, but do "girls" always need to be included in a list of the "basic facilities you might want," which also include tennis and wind sailing? We're people, not a pastime. I hate to speak ill of the dead, but Mayle could have benefitted from a bit of enlightening.
That said, two essays rescued the book for me and pushed it into four-star territory: "New Year's Resolutions" and "The Writing Habit," which I could completely relate to, in theory if not in practice. When he's at his satirical best, Mayle is quite entertaining. I also enjoyed hearing what it was like to travel on a rich friend's private jet, see how the finest champagne is made, and learn about the Great Antoine ("Cher Ami" is also wonderful). I was thrilled to see a nod to Harry's Bar in Venice, which I personally sought out and have such fond memories of.
But the way caviar is harvested is truly horrifying. If one is considering veganism, that essay will be enough to push you over the edge. I'll pass on that particular treat, no matter how tasty it is.
But Mayle tells you right up front that he has a modest lifestyle, making it seem that this was all he could afford (while still dropping over 1,000 pounds on a single hat or almost as much on a shirt). Somehow, though, the search for exquisite quality--for having a few things that will last a lifetime rather than buying a lot of everything--made this book bearable.
As a woman, I am clearly not Mayle's intended reader. Every place he goes is a gentleman's exclusive domain, and females are only mentioned as forms of entertainment, with our thighs the perfect table to roll a cigar on--seriously! This continuous, blissfully ignorant sexism began to grate on me after a while. I realize he was from a different era, but do "girls" always need to be included in a list of the "basic facilities you might want," which also include tennis and wind sailing? We're people, not a pastime. I hate to speak ill of the dead, but Mayle could have benefitted from a bit of enlightening.
That said, two essays rescued the book for me and pushed it into four-star territory: "New Year's Resolutions" and "The Writing Habit," which I could completely relate to, in theory if not in practice. When he's at his satirical best, Mayle is quite entertaining. I also enjoyed hearing what it was like to travel on a rich friend's private jet, see how the finest champagne is made, and learn about the Great Antoine ("Cher Ami" is also wonderful). I was thrilled to see a nod to Harry's Bar in Venice, which I personally sought out and have such fond memories of.
But the way caviar is harvested is truly horrifying. If one is considering veganism, that essay will be enough to push you over the edge. I'll pass on that particular treat, no matter how tasty it is.
January 20, 2025
This is a collection of pieces Mayle did for Esquire. It���s pure froth. The only reason I can imagine ever looking at this book again is as a reference to some specific resource. That said, it was fun. And it got me thinking. Essentially Esquire let Mayle explore aspects of the good life on their expense account, a job I���m sure he enjoyed. He took an extremely practical approach to certain luxuries: a company plane, handmade shoes, $1000 Panama hats, bespoke suits, limo service. I have to say I don���t disagree with him in the main. Certainly in many cases what seems like luxury turned out to be a reasonable expense. As pricey as a company plane is, it���s cheaper than buying a lot of tickets hither and yon. Likewise a limo in Chapel Hill probably isn���t worth it, but in New York it isn���t that much more than taxis and is much more valuable (in peace of mind) than owning a car and having to keep it up, and keep it garaged, and having to find someplace to park it. Kept lovers aren���t worth it, I don���t think, nor are servants. I���d rather hire a service to clean my house than have to put someone up or worry about taxes and social security and sick days and all that rot. Real artistry is worth it, handmade shoes and tailor-made clothes that are exquisite, comfy, and long-lasting. The really intriguing idea was the hotel versus the second home idea. I���d rather stay in a wonderful hotel with a marvelous chef, and room service, and all of that than worry about keeping something up all year for a two week vacation. Some food is worth it to me, really good wine or scotch probably aren���t. House guests are.[return:]It���s interesting to think about: what one would do with great wealth if one had it. Comfort and beauty would be two biggies for me, high style would not, trendy would not.
March 13, 2018
This book reminded me in a sort of way of The Official Sloane Ranger Handbook: The First Guide to What Really Matters in Life: a book written by a supposed insider, for the outsiders (people the author considers wannabes). Except that a real insider would not want the outsiders to know anything about how nice it is inside, lest they try to come in. I did enjoy reading about the hand made shoes and shirts, and some of the other things, but by the end it was just filler and I was skimming. These are magazine columns (like blogposts, but on paper) and it shows. With just a tiny bit of editing, the essays could have been made to flow as if they had been planned as a book, but the author and/or editors chose not to do that.
By the last third of the book, life as the other half supposedly lives had begun to pall. It began to be less "don't you wish you could" and more "look at me! Don't you envy ME?"
No, I don't. Granted, I'll never place an order to Floris of London, or buy a bottle of Guerlain's Jicky, because for that price--what will I do if I don't like it? It's not like they'll let me sample it first. But I am decidedly not impressed by the author's growing and repeated need to tell us all how he "burns up his credit cards till the edges curl" in NY. Of course these were written in the 1980s, when "greed was good" and the foundations were laid for the world economic crisis we are still dealing with. Mayle apparently never learned the lesson that is ingrained in all born-to-wealth Europeans: talking about how much something cost is vulgar. Boasting about it is even worse.
By the last third of the book, life as the other half supposedly lives had begun to pall. It began to be less "don't you wish you could" and more "look at me! Don't you envy ME?"
No, I don't. Granted, I'll never place an order to Floris of London, or buy a bottle of Guerlain's Jicky, because for that price--what will I do if I don't like it? It's not like they'll let me sample it first. But I am decidedly not impressed by the author's growing and repeated need to tell us all how he "burns up his credit cards till the edges curl" in NY. Of course these were written in the 1980s, when "greed was good" and the foundations were laid for the world economic crisis we are still dealing with. Mayle apparently never learned the lesson that is ingrained in all born-to-wealth Europeans: talking about how much something cost is vulgar. Boasting about it is even worse.
January 1, 2021
A collection of Peter Mayle's magazine articles about food, the good life, and moving to rural France. A decent bit of advice to go along with it (i.e. a mistress is the most costly and expensive of the things that "money can buy").
May 18, 2023
The writing is amusing. I believe this is a collection of essays written for a men's magazine in the 80s...and reads like it. I love Peter Mayle's Provence books. This wasn't quite as compelling to me, but if you like essays about how rich people behaved circa 1986 then you might like it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews