There are two books that I have double copies of. One set never leaves the side of my computer at home, the other sits on my desk at the shop. The first is the Oxford English Dictionary and the second, The Food Lover’s Companion. How could I not support and love a book that precedes its introduction with this quote from Julia Child, “People who are not interested in food always seem rather dry and unloving and don’t have a real gusto for life.” And I add to this, the more the world understands about food, its origins and reality, the healthier and happier the world will be.

This compact reference book, with over 6000 well researched listings related to food and drink is essential to people like myself who have chosen the food world as a career. I can honestly say that this book is opened every day of the year and some days often. Countless telephone calls come to the shop for information that may not be ready in our heads, but The Food Lover’s Companion is so good at supplying answers that it is almost like an extension of the brain. But what is wonderful for me to witness is the many non-foodies who have become attached to this book. On many occasions I have given this book to the uninitiated with most satisfactory results. So if you are interested in getting things right—and we all are— why would you not want this book?

Sharon Tyler Herbst published the first edition of The Food Lover’s Companion in 1990, the second in 1995 and now, in 2001, The New Food Lover’s Companion, 3rd Edition. 

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