Joan Reardon

In more than thirty books, Fisher, christened by John Updike as the “poet of the appetites,” changed the way Americans understood the art of eating. A self-made career woman and trail-blazing writer, Fisher served it up with style, whether the topic was her husbands, her lovers, or the fried-egg sandwiches she toted in her pockets as a child. In this bio, culinary historian Joan Reardon enjoyed extensive access to Fisher, her family, and friends. She appears, however, to be less charmed than most with the bon vivant. In fact, it might not be far off the mark to say that Reardon feels Fisher was a self-absorbed kook. In detailing Fisher’s irreverently lived life, Reardon aspires to demystify her sensualist image, using what amounts to a pinch of negativity and a dash of moral disapproval. Meow! Soup’s on. Available October 27