From "accent" to "zingue-zingue-zoun," Peter Mayle alphabetically surveys his adopted home of Provence and indeed French culture as a whole. As always, Mayle retains his outsider's eye for all that is picturesque, poetic, and puzzling in Provençal life, while bringing his considerable erudition to bear upon these breezy, conversational entries. And although much ground is covered here, food and drink remain paramount: vin rosé, truffles, olives, melons, bouillabaisse, escargots, and the cheese that killed a Roman emperor.