Any book that claims to "[reach] beyond the bounds of interior decoration" should be treated with extreme caution. There is a modern puritanism abroad, a kind of mutant fin-de- si�cle Mrs. Beetonism that found its first expression in the platitudes of Delia Smith's How to Cook TV series; even Nigella Lawson, who could once be relied upon to cook up monstrosities unworkable outside an Italian deli in W1, now sees fit to tell us How to Eat simple fare in simple surroundings. Jane Cumberbatch's Pure Syle--an entire lifestyle bible in one book--is an even more naked attempt to reduce our home lives to Shaker-like simplicity.

It is irresistible. Chapters on furniture, objects, food and even sleep show how light, colour, scent, flavour and texture work together to create mood. Stripped of fashionable excess, Cumberbatch's interiors, captured in a matter-of-fact style by photographer Henry Bourne, express a new kind of simplicity that has nothing to do with exclusive, elitist 80s minimalism, and everything to do with cotton rugs, stove-top kettles, utilitarian glass jars, "good bread or new potatoes cooked with fresh mint".

But is it doable? Well yes--with one caveat. The Shakers--that religious sect whose form-follows- function furniture and objects are Cumberbatch's silent but pervasive inspiration--were not only master craftsmen; they also abjured having children. What price uncluttered sensual interiors when your kids are throwing Furbie-fuelled consumer tantrums? There is a huge amount of sound advice and good sense in this book--but for pity's sake don't inflict it on the kids. --Simon Ings

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Store Description

We sell a large range of history, political, environmental, business, science, health, fitness, rugby, cricket, golf, fishing, educational, psychology, old car manuals, classics and many works of fiction, mysteries, thrillers, romance plus childrens' fiction, old annuals, nature books, encyclopedias and other non-fiction books. Some of our books are not on our database yet, so it's best to send us a message and see if we have the book(s) you require.

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Seller's business information

The Raven and the Writing Desk Limited
5 Freyberg Road, Ruawai, 0530, New Zealand

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Right of withdrawal

If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.

Information regarding the right of withdrawal

Statutory right to withdraw

You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.

The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.

To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.

To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.

Effects of withdrawal

If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).

We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.

We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.

We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.

We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.

You shall send back the goods or hand them over to The Raven and the Writing Desk, Ruawai, Northland, New Zealand, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.

Exceptions to the right of withdrawal

The right of withdrawal does not apply to:

The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.

Shipping Terms

Shipping rates from New Zealand to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from New Zealand to U.S.A.
Order quantity	12 to 20 business days	12 to 20 business days
First item	� 26.41	� 26.41

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.