Not my normal patch, writing about cookbooks, but this is a exception because of the input if Nathan Myhrvold, a tech entrepreneur with an astonishing range of interests, and  who has changed the  digital innovation landscape with his patent trolling activities. 

Modernist Cuisine is a multi volume cookbook, but is far more than just another a cookbook by a chef trying to get his head on TV, this is an examination of the technology and science of cooking, lavishly and innovatively photographed. Have a look at the trailer on the website, not just another cookbook.