ransomcenter:

In honor of Julia Child’s birthday today, enjoy these images from the Knopf archive at the Ransom Center that document the road to publication for “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” 

To learn more about these letters, read “‘The Proper Binge’: Julia Child in the Ransom Center Archives.”

“L’École des Trois Gourmandes: Louisette Bertholle, Simone (Simca) Beck, and Julia Child.” 1953. Photograph by Paul Child. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. records.

Cover of a first edition of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” 1961.

A letter from Judith Jones to Avis DeVoto dated May 6, 1960. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. records.

A letter from Julia Child to Judith Jones dated February 25, 1961. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. records.

A letter from Julia Child to Judith Jones dated October 31, 1960. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. records.

How did I miss this yesterday?? Anything the Ransom Center reveals from the Knopf archive is a special treat. Thanks for taking such good care of it, friends.