M.F.K. Fisher, whom John Updike has called our "poet of the appetites," here pays tribute to that most delicate and enigmatic of foods---the oyster. As she tells of oysters found in stews, in soups, roasted, baked, fried, prepared à la Rockefeller or au naturel--and of the pearls sometimes found therein--Fisher describes her mother's joy at encountering oyster loaf in a girls' dorm in he 1890's, recalls her own initiation into the "strange cold succulence" of raw oysters as a young woman in Marseille and Dijon, and explores both the bivalve's famed aphrodisiac properties and its equally notorious gut-wrenching powers. Plumbing the "dreadful but exciting" life of the oyster, Fisher invites readers to share in the comforts and delights that this delicate edible evokes, and enchants us along the way with her characteristically wise and witty prose.
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"Since Lewis Carroll no one had written charmingly about that indecisively sexed bivalve until Mrs. Fisher came along with her Consider the Oyster. Surely this will stand for some time as the most judicious treatment in English."--Clifton Fadiman
About the Author
M.F.K. Fisher (1908-1992) is the author of numerous books of essays and reminiscences, many of which have become American classics.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I am not a great fan of oysters, but I am a very great fan of M.F.K. Fischer, and she makes an extraordinarily convincing case for the humble bivalve. In her sensuous, intelligent, witty and charming prose, she tells tales and relates recipes and historical trivia that will have even the most hardened anti-oyster reader craving the savor of oyster stew, or good old-fashioned oyster stuffing, or hang-town fry. This is a perfect paean to a food men of almost every culture have enjoyed throughout history. Whether you like the things or not, you will love this delicious, funny, warm book--and you, like me, may decide to give oysters another chance!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By neilathotep
Format:Paperback
This work is a beautiful piece of food writing. Fisher tells delightful tales of the oyster, both from a natural history and culinary history perspective. Integrated in to these stories are a fair mix of recipes and pieces of food advice. Embedded in all of this is a delightful sense of whimsy, which makes the reader think that while oysters are serious food, there is no reason to be completely serious about food.
It had me craving oysters from page one, and it is now a goal of mine to make Oyster stew this year. Some of the other recipes seem a bit silly, but I'll try one of those at least.
It had me craving oysters from page one, and it is now a goal of mine to make Oyster stew this year. Some of the other recipes seem a bit silly, but I'll try one of those at least.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
MFK Fisher is like the Bach of authors. I bought this book because I love oysters, but after reading this book I was transported to a time and place to an atmosphere of life that doesn't seem to exist anymore. And I became enamored with the author.
It is hard to describe her work. Every word seems perfectly placed, like a musical note. This book is like a masterpiece in writing. I love oysters even more because of it. I have tried the recipes listed, and they have turned out incredible. The oyster stew was fantastic.
There is a recipe for Ramos' Gin Fizz, a drink I have never heard of. I researched it, and the drink was invented in the early 19th century!! It doesn't give the recipe for the drink which is a shame, but I did find the recipe on line and I did try it. It was very good. There is a sense of food archeology with the book, as if you are Indiana Jones discovering a lost city. You must read it to understand what I'm saying.
Every time I read this book, I feel transported in time to a happier place, where food was better. I feel like I'm tagging along with Fisher discovering hidden treasures of restaurants in remote locals.
Pick up this book if you love oysters, also pick it up if you love great writing by a great author.
It is hard to describe her work. Every word seems perfectly placed, like a musical note. This book is like a masterpiece in writing. I love oysters even more because of it. I have tried the recipes listed, and they have turned out incredible. The oyster stew was fantastic.
There is a recipe for Ramos' Gin Fizz, a drink I have never heard of. I researched it, and the drink was invented in the early 19th century!! It doesn't give the recipe for the drink which is a shame, but I did find the recipe on line and I did try it. It was very good. There is a sense of food archeology with the book, as if you are Indiana Jones discovering a lost city. You must read it to understand what I'm saying.
Every time I read this book, I feel transported in time to a happier place, where food was better. I feel like I'm tagging along with Fisher discovering hidden treasures of restaurants in remote locals.
Pick up this book if you love oysters, also pick it up if you love great writing by a great author.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my favorite books
None of my friends beliwve that this is a real book despite proof otherwise. A book about oysters!? Indeed. It is utterly fascinating. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Cynthia
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Charming, Poetic, Thoughtful Take On a Simple Treasure
This slim volume was given to me by a friend who knows of my great culinary passion for oysters. I had never heard of Fisher, was surprised that such a book existed, thanked him... Read more
Published on June 7, 2009 by Sussex Pond Pudding
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oyster lovers classic.
This book takes you back in time when America was raw and free.This ladys brutal truth is sexy.
Published on April 3, 2009 by Ross
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fisher's Way with Words Reminded Me to Savor Food -and to Eat Oysters!
M.F.K. Fisher wrote this conversational treatise -if that is not a contradiction in terms- about oysters in 1941. Read more
Published on May 13, 2008 by mirasreviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly Amusing
Hard to put down. She weaves her tales with recipes for oysters in such a way as to be thoroughly entertaining and which results in the inevitable desire to eat oysters.
Published on September 27, 2007 by D. Dblodgett
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