M. F. K. Fisher

Date of Birth: July 3, 1908

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: June 22, 1992

Biography

M.F.K. Fisher, born Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher, was an influential American writer renowned for her prolific contributions to culinary literature. Born on July 3, 1908, in Albion, Michigan, she grew up in Whittier, California. Fisher’s writing career spanned over six decades, during which she authored more than 20 books that elegantly intertwined food, culture, and the human experience. Her work is celebrated for its insightful and poetic prose, which elevated food writing to an art form. Fisher’s early education included a brief stint at Illinois College before transferring to Occidental College in California. She later moved to Dijon, France, with her first husband, Alfred Young Fisher, where she developed a deep appreciation for French cuisine and culture. This experience profoundly influenced her writing, leading to her first book, “Serve It Forth,” published in 1937. Throughout her life, Fisher wrote essays, memoirs, and novels that explored the sensory pleasures of food and the intricate connections between dining and living. Some of her most notable works include “The Gastronomical Me” (1943), “How to Cook a Wolf” (1942), and “The Art of Eating” (1954). Fisher’s writing not only celebrated the joy of eating but also delved into themes of love, loss, and survival. She passed away on June 22, 1992, in Glen Ellen, California, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire food writers and enthusiasts around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about M. F. K. Fisher

1. M.F.K. Fisher was inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America in 1983.

2. She was a polyglot, fluent in several languages including French and German, which enriched her cultural and culinary insights.

3. Fisher’s book “How to Cook a Wolf” was written during World War II and provided practical advice on cooking during times of scarcity.

4. She lived in various places including France, Switzerland, and Mexico, which greatly influenced her diverse culinary repertoire.

5. The M.F.K. Fisher Award, established by Les Dames d’Escoffier International, honors excellence in culinary writing.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from M. F. K. Fisher

1. “Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly.”

2. “First we eat, then we do everything else.”

3. “The measure of my civilization is the amount of different foods I can get in a small town in California.”

4. “I believe that one of the most beautifully pure and satisfying ways of life is to be a cook.”

5. “There is communion of more than our bodies when bread is broken and wine drunk.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, M.F.K. Fisher’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.

Children

M.F.K. Fisher had two daughters, Anna and Kennedy, from her marriage to Dillwyn Parrish. She was deeply devoted to her children, and her experiences as a mother often influenced her writing.