"For decades, food-lovers have taken enormous pleasure in the stories, the characters and the inimitable prose style of M. F. K. Fisher. Now we discover the kitchens and the dinner tables--the very meals that inspired M. F. K. Fisher to write.

In this insightful and evocative book, Joan Reardon distills Fisher's life to its culinary essence and reveals her to us anew."--Laura Shapiro, author of Perfection Salad: Women and Cooking at the Turn of the Century "Reardon's commentary reveals an intimate understanding of the personality of M. F. K. Fisher. Few who enjoy food and read M. F. K.

Fisher's work do not thirst to know more about this woman, and knowing about the places she lived and cooked gives a greater understanding of her writings, her feelings, her passions and frustrations."--Jerry Anne DiVecchio, Senior Food Editor, Sunset Magazine "I've always admired M. F. K. Fisher's gastronomical ingenuity and vivid culinary imagination. In this rich portrait, Joan Reardon eloquently shares with us Mary Frances's great lesson: to cook well, you need only the most elementary kitchen, a mortar and pestle, and full awareness of your own five senses."--Alice Waters.