Edna Lewis: At the Table with an American Original

Edna Lewis (1916-2006) was a pioneering chef and author who explored her memories of childhood on a farm in Freetown, Virginia, in her cookbooks. She returned to the South and continued to write, becoming a trailblazer in the revival of regional cooking and the farm-to-table movement. This first-ever critical appreciation of Lewis's work is written by food-world stars who reveal their encounters with her, illuminating her legacy for a new generation.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 28 February 2021
\n Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
\n

Edna Lewis, a renowned American cookbook author, left an indelible mark on the culinary world with her exceptional and influential works. Among her notable creations, the now-classic "The Taste of Country Cooking" stands as a testament to her culinary prowess. Born in 1916 and passing away in 2006, Lewis embarked on a culinary journey fueled by her deep connection to her childhood memories on a farm in Freetown, Virginia. Her writing was a means to explore the rich tapestry of her upbringing, where she vividly depicted the seasonal abundance and culinary traditions of the Southern region.

After spending a significant portion of her life in New York City, where she pursued her passion for cooking and became a chef and political activist, Lewis returned to the South. There, she continued to pour her culinary expertise into her writing, leaving an enduring legacy. Lewis is celebrated for her pioneering role in revitalizing regional cooking and pioneering the farm-to-table movement. Her works have inspired countless chefs and food enthusiasts, and her influence continues to grow.

In this groundbreaking critical appreciation of Lewis's work, a constellation of food-world stars comes together to share their personal encounters with the legendary chef. Through their insightful essays, the essayists delve into the mythology surrounding Lewis, shedding light on her remarkable journey and her enduring impact on the culinary world.

The essayists in this collection include renowned chefs Annemarie Ahearn, Mashama Bailey, Scott Alves Barton, Patricia E. Clark, Nathalie Dupree, John T. Edge, Megan Elias, John T. Hill, Vivian Howard, Lily Kelting, Francis Lam, Jane Lear, Deborah Madison, Kim Severson, Ruth Lewis Smith, Toni Tipton-Martin, Michael W. Twitty, Alice Waters, Kevin West, Susan Rebecca White, Caroline Randall Williams, and Joe Yonan. Editor Sara B. Franklin provides an illuminating introduction to Lewis, setting the stage for the captivating essays that follow.

The volume concludes with afterwords by Lewis's sister, Ruth Lewis Smith, and niece, Nina Williams-Mbengue, adding a personal and heartfelt dimension to the celebration of her legacy. "The Taste of Country Cooking" by Edna Lewis remains a timeless masterpiece, a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring influence of a culinary visionary.

\n Weight: 382g\n
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781469663999\n \n