Rating: 
Summary: Authoritative
Review: I have been a long time fan of Julia Child for her wit and humor. Her shows are still so entertaining to watch. But don't be fooled by her fun demeanor. She is a serious student and teacher of French cooking. I respect her and trust this book for recipes that are authentic and work flawlessly. I recently made crepes for the first time and tried her recipe for the batter. I was delighted to find them delicious with just the right flavor and consistency. That was no surprise to me at all. This book is great because gives the reader the knowledge to master the fundamental sauces and building blocks of classic French cuisine. Kudos to Julia Child for her anniversary edition of this cook's essential! If you're serious about cooking like I am, please do yourself a favor by rewarding yourself with this wonderful cooking tutorial.
Rating:
Summary: Simply the best!
Review: I have been a subscriber to high-end food magazines for decades, and have an extensive collection of cookbooks. This is the best cook book in print, without exception. I remember when Julia came on the scene when I was a child. It was, no exaggeration.....innovative. She used words we couldn't pronounce, showed us how to make dishes we were unfamiliar with, and showed us techniques that were unheard of to the American public. Almost 40 years later, the American palette has become more sophisticated and the food options available to us seem endless. This book stills holds up as the best. It is the primer for understanding French cooking, and mastering invaluable techniques in the kitchen.I love good food and enjoy cooking. The problem is, after twenty something years cooking I still have to admit that I have no natural talent or culinary instinct. EVERYTIME I use this book I am successful. Don't let the title of this book intimidate you. This book was written in large part with the novice in mind.
Rating:
Summary: My Cooking Bible
Review: I have been using this book for over 20 years. It is my cooking Bible. I learned most of what I know about cooking from Julia, her TV show, and her books, but this one is the best, bar none. The recipes are simple. There may be a lot of ingredients, but the dishes are excellent. Her quiches are unmatched, her Pork Roast melts in your mouth and the Clafouti impresses your guests. My book is falling apart and stained because it has been used so much. I highly recommend you buy it!
Rating:
Summary: The bible of French cooking for Americans.
Review: I have been using this book, and it's companion Volume 2, for over 20 years. It is by far the best cookbook for French cuisine on the market. The clear, step-by-step directions, with extensive illustrations, carefully guide you through each recipe. It teaches all of the basic techniques required to become proficient in the greatest cuisine in the world. Try Julia's chocolate mousse and you'll never use another recipe,(but you will have to walk it off). I'm ordering a replacement copy from Amazon because my original is has been so used the binding has fallen apart! I wouldn't be without it.
Rating:
Summary: THE BIBLE OF GOOD COOKERY
Review: I have referred to this cookery book - and its sequel, Volume II - for at least 15 years. The recipes contained therein have NEVER failed to satisfy my guests and myself - the latter being the more judgmental critic - and I have referred to the Master Recipes as a launchpad for a variety of culinary excursions. Julia gives the basics and allows you to use your inteligence and flair to improve upon the perfect. For this she has allowed all cooks and chefs and dilettantes cuisiniaires to express their experitise and originality.Tim Wingate from Ottawa CANADA
Rating:
Summary: The best French cook book!!
Review: I love to cook and I have bought many cookbooks over the years. This is my favorite french cook book ever!!!!! This should be in everyone's collection. I honestly think it is one of the few cookbooks that are worth the price.
Rating:
Summary: The best French cook book!!
Review: I love to cook and I have bought many cookbooks over the years. This is my favorite french cook book ever!!!!! This should be in everyone's collection. I honestly think it is one of the few cookbooks that are worth the price.
Rating:
Summary: An essential book for every kitchen
Review: I really can't add anything to the previous reviews. This book is a classic and belongs in every kitchen, as does its companion, Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume II. Which brings me to the REAL purpose for this review: Have you tried searching for volume two on the Amazon website? Not much luck, eh? Fear not...here's help! The ISBN number for the second volume is 0394721772. Search using this number to find it.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, but complicated
Review: I think the best measure of a cookbook is how many times you have to practice to get a recipe right. I had owned this book for a couple of months and had been regularly adding to my repertoir with gratin dauphinoise and steak au bercy when I came across a recipe for steak au bearnaise. I knew little about bearnaise and hollandaise and less about making them. Even with this it took only one try to get a perfect bearnaise to go with my steaks. This book is the measure of delicious and authentic food as well as relative ease of use.
Rating:
Summary: Unparalleled resource for French cooking.
Review: I think the best measure of a cookbook is how many times you have to practice to get a recipe right. I had owned this book for a couple of months and had been regularly adding to my repertoir with gratin dauphinoise and steak au bercy when I came across a recipe for steak au bearnaise. I knew little about bearnaise and hollandaise and less about making them. Even with this it took only one try to get a perfect bearnaise to go with my steaks. This book is the measure of delicious and authentic food as well as relative ease of use.
| 
