The Tenth Muse by Judith Jones

For many years, Judith Jones was the editor behind the scenes. Now, she is the writer sharing her memoirs and food insights with readers. Jones was the New York editor who noticed the previously rejected Diary of Anne Frank and got it published. She was also the editor who helped Julia Child choose the title of Child's breakout cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

If that's not enough of a resume, Jones has worked with such legends and cookbook authors as James Beard, Elizabeth David, Lidia Bastianich, Claudia Roden and Edna Lewis.

The small book abounds in wonderful stories of how Jones and her late husband, Evan, enjoyed cooking and experimenting with food together both in Paris and in the United States. It's also abundant with juicy tidbits about some of the cookbook authors. She quotes a snooty note David wrote her in response to a seemingly legitimate editing question. Jones' memories of Child reflect friendship but especially respect. The same goes for James Beard, although she does mention his reputation for endorsing products perhaps a bit too easily for some of his colleagues' comfort. She tells how cooking helped Marion Cunningham of Fannie Farmer fame give up alcohol and overcome agoraphobia.

Jones' book kept me reading late into the night. As a bonus, she includes several photos of herself with her husband, other family members and authors. There's a great one showing the late Southern cooking icon Edna Lewis and Cunningham chatting together.

Several recipes are another bonus. Beware, though: Jones seems to have more exotic tastebuds than many people. Sweetbreads and kidneys are especially alluring to her.