Larousse Gastronomique

I bought this book for my husband's birthday. He's a fairly accomplished cook but also has an interest in cooking terminology. For those who don't cook, we dont really care if our julienne vegies are out by half a mil etc ... however its important to those who love their cooking and like to do it well. This book, or bible as some would call it, is literally quite simply brilliant. Absolutely anything and everything you wish to know about cooking and food, is in there ... right down to 'how to boil an egg'! Hence quite a handy tool for those aren't so swish in the kitchen, when their private chefs are away!I personally may not be so prominent in the kitchen, but I have a fascination for table etiquette ... and there is a wonderful section which goes into great lengths on how a table should be set, pending on the eventThere are oodles of 'cooking bibles' out there, some of which are very worthy classics ... but I do believe this one ... takes the cake!ps before purchasing, I asked my french sister in law her opinion on this book. I was expecting the typical french 'pff waste of time' return comment, but she also highly recommeneded it.

This isn’t a traditional “cookbook” like many other books. It’s a one volume reference encyclopedia, like a Funk and Wagnalls for cooking. (But it does have many good recipes in the examples.) As someone else mentioned, its not for the hamburger helper folks who plan to stay hamburger helpers. No shame, great carpenter’s don’t need to be great cooks, too; we've all got our specialties. But if you want cooking to be your specialty this is as good a reference book as you can find. More of a where it came from, how it works, and why it works book than a step by step guide like a traditional recipe book.

Literally the encyclopedia of culinary arts. If you want to learn how to cook, start with this book.

Arrived on time, book as described

Beautiful reference collection well written articles on all aspects of cooking, from a dozen simple potato recipes to rich festive dishes. All you would ever need for a lifetime of elegant and tasty home cooking. Have been using this for years and continually discovering new and tasty plates. The best mine of information on food with very clear, brief, simple recipes to stimulate all appetites.

My son recently and very successfully completed a course of study at a culinary institute to become a chef. I bought the hard-cover edition of Larousse Gastronomique for him as a graduation gift. It is an incredible resource for any chef (or serious cook) to own because it contains directions for preparing an incredible number of foods, both in the cooking as well as the pastry areas, and there are extensive photographs to illustrate how to complete a particular technique. Needless to say, my son is absolutely delighted with this addition to his culinary library. I highly recommend Larousse Gastronomique to anyone in the cooking or baking field, professional or otherwise, who needs a definitive resource to supplement what they already know - it's the best culinary resource ever!

Ease of use adds to skill.

I've owned the 1988 edition of this masterpiece for several years. As a combination go-to resource, inspiration, and backgrounder on all things culinary, it is unsurpassed. The typeface, layout, and abundance of perfectly placed color photographs and illustrations make it a warm volume, despite its weight.However, I recently purchased this new edition as a gift. The recipient is happy, but I'm a bit disapointed. Though the new scheme makes distinguishing recipies a snap (red titles), the typeface is steril and the number and interest of photographs has declined substantially, largely consisting of full-page stock photo stuff.Nevertheless, a great book, but one that has lost some of its beauty. I'm happy to own the 1988 edition!

A must have, bought it for a friend

Great book and delivered in good condition so happy to see this bookThank you

Every classic recipe is here. One of the very few cookbooks I have in print.

Must have for every kitchen

I was greatly disappointed with the book. The service from the seller was good and the book was in very good condition as described.