James Beard is my all time favorite chef. As Julia Child - and others - have said, "In the beginning there was James Beard" When I found this book at the used book store and could not put is down. This book tells his life store, born to a mother how was a gifted hotelier and cook in Portland, Oregen. On to his living in France and becoming a world renowned chef. You will also find some outstanding recipes. This book started my collection of James Beard cook books.