In the original dustsheet. Black cloth binding with silver title on the spine.

• F.B.A. provides an in-depth photographic presentation of this item to stimulate your feeling and touch. More traditional book descriptions are immediately available.

Illustrated in Searle’s inimitable style are the ancient noble ceremony of slashing the trockenbeerenauslese, the inauguration of the first authentic denominazione di origine controllata e garantita, and the vinolympics. For wine lovers who have never tasted ptolemy nouveau or watched the uncorking of the kangarouge, these experiences are related with warmth and humor. The many ways to open a bottle of wine are illustrated, and the rituals and delights of wine around the world are described.

Review

• The foremost graphic artist of the modern age… I do not personally know of any contemporary who approaches him in versatility, fecundity or the instant identifiability of his line –Russell Davies, Independent on Sunday

• Unique… one of the finest illustrators of the past century –Gerald Scarfe, Independent

• What marks Searle’s work out is genuine wit, intelligence and unabashed ambition. He is our greatest living cartoonist, with a lifelong dedication to his craft unequalled by any of his contemporaries. His work is truly international, yet absolutely grounded in the English comic tradition… It cuts to the essence of life –Steve Bell, Guardian

Ronald Searle was a political cartoonist whose work appeared regularly in Le Monde. His other books include Illustrated Winespeak and Slightly Foxed but Still Desirable.

Modern Classics reissue of Ronald Searle’s St Trinian’s drawings

Ronald William Fordham Searle CBE RDI (3 March 1920 – 30 December 2011) was an English artist and satirical cartoonist, comics artist, sculptor, medal designer and illustrator. He is perhaps best remembered as the creator of St Trinian’s School and for his collaboration with Geoffrey Willans on the Molesworth series.