Rosie Sanders, often described as the best painter of the world's most famous fruit, has devoted years to researching this book and submitting the apples to hour upon hour of meticulous observation. In 144 beautifully detailed watercolours she depicts the unrivalled range of form, colour and texture which characterize such varieties as Beauty of Bath, Peasgood Nonsuch, Cox's Orange Pippin and Egremont Russet. Painted with their blossom, twig and leaf, Rosie offers detailed descriptions of each apple's aroma, flavour and season as well as something of the history of each variety. The book is enhanced by a practical essay on apple growing by Harry Baker, fruit officer for many years at the Royal Horticultural Society and one of Britain’s foremost authorities on apple growing.

From a discussion of the legends and mythology associated with apples to the development of the Donisthorpe Wassail, via the favourite recipes of village residents, Lynne Tann-Watson provides a history of the apple and its use by man.The Donisthorpe Apple Book includes a wide variety of the favourite recipes of village residents using apples, covering savoury dishes going beyond the traditional association with Pork (Autumn Chicken Casserole for example), sweets and puddings, and preserves.Lynne concludes with the ancient tradition of wassailing apple orchards, now being revived in many parts of the country, and in particular the annual celebration held in the village. This has become one of the high points of village life, finishing with a good party in the village pub.