Alice B. Toklas

Date of Birth: April 30, 1877

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: March 7, 1967

Biography

Alice Babette Toklas was a prominent figure in the early 20th-century literary and artistic circles. Born on April 30, 1877, in San Francisco, California, Toklas is primarily known for her role as the life partner of writer Gertrude Stein and for her contributions to the literary and artistic community in Paris during the 1920s. Toklas moved to Paris in 1907, where she met Stein, and the two quickly became inseparable, forming one of the most famous partnerships in literary history. Toklas played a crucial role in Stein’s life and work, serving as her muse, confidante, and editor. She meticulously managed Stein’s manuscripts, helped with revisions, and facilitated the publication of her works. Beyond her editorial contributions, Toklas was an integral part of the avant-garde scene in Paris, hosting salons that attracted the likes of Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Henri Matisse. In 1954, Toklas published her own book, “The Alice B. Toklas Cook Book,” which became famous not only for its recipes but also for its anecdotes about life with Stein and their famous friends. The book includes a recipe for “Haschich Fudge,” which contributed to its lasting notoriety. Alice B. Toklas passed away on March 7, 1967, in Paris, France, and is buried alongside Gertrude Stein in the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

5 Interesting Facts about Alice B. Toklas

1. Alice B. Toklas was instrumental in the publication of Gertrude Stein’s most famous work, “The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas,” which is actually written by Stein.

2. Toklas’s “Haschich Fudge” recipe in her cookbook is one of the earliest written references to cannabis edibles.

3. She was a pivotal figure in the Parisian avant-garde scene, known for her salon gatherings of influential artists and writers.

4. Toklas was portrayed by actress Alice B. Toklas in the 1968 film “I Love You, Alice B. Toklas,” which became a cult classic.

5. Despite her significant contributions to the literary world, Toklas struggled financially after Stein’s death and lived in relative poverty towards the end of her life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alice B. Toklas

1. “I may be no good at writing, but I’m a very good housekeeper.”

2. “What is marriage but prostitution to one man instead of many?”

3. “The French cook, the French housekeeper, the French wife, are all as good as they are because they have never been taught.”

4. “Some things are simply better done together.”

5. “Without Gertrude, Paris would be as empty as a broken teacup.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of her influence, Alice B. Toklas’s net worth was modest, primarily due to her role behind the scenes. Her financial situation was precarious, especially after the death of Gertrude Stein, leading to a life of relative poverty later on.