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How to Cook a Wolf Paperback – October 1, 1988

by M.F.K. Fisher (Author)

4.6 289 ratings

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“I do not know of any one in the United States who writes better prose.” ―W.H. Auden

Written to inspire courage in those daunted by wartimes shortages, How to Cook a Wolf continues to rally cooks during times of plenty, reminding them that providing sustenance requires more than putting food on the table.

M. F. K. Fisher knew that the last thing hungry people needed were hints on cutting back and making do. Instead, she gives her readers license to dream, to experiment, to construct adventurous and delicious meals as a bulwark against a dreary, meager present. Her fine prose provides reason in itself to draw our chairs close to the hearth; we can still enjoy her company and her exhortations to celebrate life by eating well.

Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers

WARNING: Labels on and packing slips in this package can expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol S (BPS) which is known to the State of California to cause reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Editorial Reviews

Review

“I do not know of any one in the United States who writes better prose.” ―W.H. Auden

“Poet of the appetites.” ―John Updike

“She writes about fleeting tastes and feasts vividly, excitingly, sensuously, exquisitely. There is almost a wicked thrill in following her uninhibited track through the glories of the good life.” ―James Beard

“She writes about food as others do about love, but rather better.” ―Clifton Fadiman

“M.F.K. Fisher ... brings onstage a peach or a brace of quail and shows us history, cities, fantasies, memories, emotions.” ―Patricia Storace, The New York Review of Books

“M.F.K. Fisher is our greatest food writer because she puts food in the mount, the mind and the imagination all at the same time. Beyond the gastronomical bravura, she is a passionate woman; food is her metaphor.” ―Shana Alexander

About the Author

M. F. K Fisher (1908-1992)is the author of sixteen books of essays and reminiscences, many of which have become American classics. Her books include The Gastronomical Me and How to Cook a Wolf. In 1991, she was elected to the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ North Point Press (October 1, 1988)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0865473366
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0865473362
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.95 x 0.6 x 7.95 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #67,375 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #87 in Gastronomy Essays (Books)
- #107 in Cooking Encyclopedias
- #131 in Cooking, Food & Wine Reference (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.6 289 ratings

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289 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an enjoyable and entertaining read that provides valuable cooking lessons. They appreciate the author's humor and eloquent writing style that weaves a tapestry of words. The book is described as charming, entertaining, and timeless.

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Readability Inspiration Humor Writing style Charm Timelessness

17 customers mention "Readability"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable to read with good recipes. They describe it as a brilliant and engaging read.

"...infused with a sense of humor and a dash of whimsy, making it a pleasure to read...." Read more

"Serious read by a woman who knows ingredients some of which must be whimsy stirred with a big spoon...." Read more

"...I remember the coupon books for some precious foods. It is very enjoyable reading and the recipes look good too...." Read more

"...Interesting, but a little disappointing...." Read more

14 customers mention "Inspiration"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and informative. They say it combines history and cuisine, imparting valuable lessons on making the most of limited ingredients. Readers also mention that it provides a new perspective on cooking.

"...This timeless classic is a treasure trove of wisdom, wit, and gastronomic delights that will continue to enchant and nourish readers for generations..." Read more

"...what it was like to cook with wartime shortages - but the recipes are still delicious...." Read more

"This little book is a bit of history of cooking during WWII, some of which we can still enjoy today...." Read more

"...book is not to entertain, she definitely does so while discussing things of great importance during the time it was written...." Read more

10 customers mention "Humor"7 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it well-written with a sense of humor and whimsy.

"...This timeless classic is a treasure trove of wisdom, wit, and gastronomic delights that will continue to enchant and nourish readers for generations..." Read more

"...This book is very, very funny : The author has a dry wit that I very much appreciate...." Read more

"...Very personal voice and humor." Read more

"...Interesting, but a little disappointing. Maybe the humor is dated..." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing style"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style. They describe it as eloquent and comforting, weaving a tapestry of words. The prose is described as wonderful and cleverly written, weaving a history of WWII cooking.

"...Fisher's prose is both eloquent and comforting, weaving a tapestry of words that not only teaches you how to prepare delicious meals but also..." Read more

"...She writes wittily, even charmingly about how to live on practically nothing and how to do it with an eye to health and nutrition, and flavor and..." Read more

"I can not say enough good about this book. It was written during rationing in WWII and written to inspire Americans to get excited about cooking...." Read more

"...Beautifully written, humorous and thoughtful. Thoughts for us to take seriously today." Read more

5 customers mention "Charm"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's charm and entertaining style. They find it provides a great slice of life at the time it was written, and is budget-friendly yet luxurious given circumstances.

"...the book, Fisher's writing is infused with a sense of humor and a dash of whimsy, making it a pleasure to read...." Read more

"Fascinating as a look into what it was like to cook with wartime shortages - but the recipes are still delicious...." Read more

"...This book gives a great slice of life look at the time it was written:..." Read more

"...She writes wittily, even charmingly about how to live on practically nothing and how to do it with an eye to health and nutrition, and flavor and..." Read more

3 customers mention "Timelessness"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book timeless. They describe the author as brilliant and engaging.

"...This timeless classic is a treasure trove of wisdom, wit, and gastronomic delights that will continue to enchant and nourish readers for generations..." Read more

"She is one of the most inspired, accessible, brilliant and engaging authors I have ever read." Read more

"A classic! Love this book." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

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David B Buie
A Culinary Classic
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2023
Verified Purchase
M.F.K. Fisher's timeless masterpiece, "How to Cook a Wolf," is a culinary classic that transcends generations, offering readers a delightful journey through the art of cooking and eating during challenging times. Originally published in 1942, this book has stood the test of time and continues to be a source of inspiration for food enthusiasts and home cooks alike.

Fisher's prose is both eloquent and comforting, weaving a tapestry of words that not only teaches you how to prepare delicious meals but also nourishes your soul with her vivid storytelling. The book's title, inspired by a quote from the Roman poet Horace, serves as a metaphor for the resilience and resourcefulness required in times of scarcity. Fisher imparts invaluable lessons on making the most of limited ingredients and creating meals that are not only satisfying but also deeply satisfying.

One of the standout features of "How to Cook a Wolf" is Fisher's ability to embrace frugality without compromising on flavor. Her recipes are practical, budget-friendly, and often surprisingly luxurious given the circumstances. She teaches readers to approach cooking as an art form, where creativity and resourcefulness are key ingredients.

Throughout the book, Fisher's writing is infused with a sense of humor and a dash of whimsy, making it a pleasure to read. Her anecdotes and personal experiences add depth and personality to the recipes, making them more relatable and enticing. She also shares her insights on the role of food in our lives, exploring the emotional and psychological aspects of eating, which elevates this book beyond a mere cookbook.

While "How to Cook a Wolf" is a timeless gem, it's important to note that some of the recipes may feel a bit outdated or impractical for modern cooks accustomed to the convenience of contemporary kitchen appliances and readily available ingredients. However, Fisher's principles and philosophy remain relevant, encouraging readers to adapt and improvise in their own kitchens.

M.F.K. Fisher's "How to Cook a Wolf" is a must-read for anyone with a passion for both food and literature. It is a book that not only teaches you how to cook but also inspires you to approach life's challenges with creativity and resilience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, Fisher's words will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression and ignite your culinary imagination. This timeless classic is a treasure trove of wisdom, wit, and gastronomic delights that will continue to enchant and nourish readers for generations to come.

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8 people found this helpful

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Judith Thierry
Kitchen tips for the antifascist
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
Serious read by a woman who knows ingredients some of which must be whimsy stirred with a big spoon. One can't escape the world views that take on food insecurity, want and need for style and taste in a time of rationing and then to receive an added dose of anti-fascism - masterful.

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3 people found this helpful

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Woodhathhope
The recipes are still good
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2023
Verified Purchase
Fascinating as a look into what it was like to cook with wartime shortages - but the recipes are still delicious. And the author's dry British humor had me giggling so much in a doctor's waiting room, I wound up having to tell strangers waiting with me what I was reading. One lady pulled out her phone and ordered a copy of the book for herself!

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One person found this helpful

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Carol O.
Cleverly written history of WWII cooking
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2015
Verified Purchase
This little book is a bit of history of cooking during WWII, some of which we can still enjoy today. Having been very young in the early 40s, I can still remember my Mother having to be very careful with her cooking ingredients. I remember the coupon books for some precious foods. It is very enjoyable reading and the recipes look good too. Most people today don't even know what you're talking about when you speak of "the wolf at the door".

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6 people found this helpful

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A. Moore
Tremendous Read
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2011
Verified Purchase
This book is relevant :
Much of what she says about food and eating that contradicted the common knowledge of the time have been proven in the interim.

This book gives a great slice of life look at the time it was written:
Discussing food shortages, rationing and other challenges unique to the WWII period was enlightening. I wasn't born until a full generation after the war, so although I knew that rationing existed, I didn't think about what this actually meant for families until reading this book.

This book is very, very funny :
The author has a dry wit that I very much appreciate. While the intention of the book is not to entertain, she definitely does so while discussing things of great importance during the time it was written. This was the first book of hers I've read. I've been missing out! I'll be reading more, and I can recommend this book without reservation.

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38 people found this helpful

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Jo
No wolf was harmed in the making of this book
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
I've wanted to read this for years, unfortunately it is not available on kindle so I had to buy a hard copy. Interesting, but a little disappointing. Maybe the humor is dated (although I've read a lot of books from this period, which are still bitingly funny). Not sure how many of the wartime recipes I will try. Not sure if I am disappointed or pleased to find the wolf was kept from the door, rather than cooked and eaten.

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4 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Diane Huska
This book is always a keeper...
Reviewed in Canada on April 2, 2022
Verified Purchase
...even when you can't find another little squidge of space, keep this book. I'm feeling rich in that my former copies were always "discovered" in a used book store, but I just had to replace them right now, so I have a new copy. A treasure. Speedy shipping too.

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Dr. v. Kanitz
Style
Reviewed in Germany on June 13, 2021
Verified Purchase
Á Book on how to cook in very restricted times when food is hard to come by - and yet still to live in style. Good read.

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Sew good
Foodies - you need her
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 9, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is a thrilling rediscovery, as if Elizabeth David had been overlooked. Except that MFK Fisher delivers more laughs and literary punch. MFK Fisher not only flashes her humorous light on the the development of modern food tastes but gives us a sharp view of how to manage during Lockdown, as her book concerns the deprivation and lack of ingredients during the 2nd world war. And, impossibly, she makes you laugh!

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JG
Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on February 6, 2018
Verified Purchase
among the most interesting cookbooks I have read - a snapshot of another time

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Thebazile
interesting historically....
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
no proper recipes but excellent little essays on all sorts of things from this esteemed 50s/60s American writer

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