ALAN DAVIDSON is one of the world'¬?s leading authorities on fish and fish cookery. In 1975, he retired from Britain's diplomatic service to pursue a fruitful career as a food historian and writer. Cofounder and editor of the prestigious food journalPetits Propos Culinares,Alan has authored many books, including the award-winningOxford Companion to Foodand NORTH ATLANTIC SEAFOOD, which was inducted into the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Hall of Fame in 2002. He lives with his wife, Jane, in London, England.