With commentary by the noted food historian Joan Reardon, and covering topics as diverse as the lack of good wine in the United States, McCarthyism, and sexual mores, these astonishing letters between Julia and her unofficial literary agent show America on the verge of political, social, and gastronomic transformation.

Reviews

"An absorbing portrait of an unexpected friendship."
-"Entertainment Weekly"
"The spirit of the indomitable Julia Child lives on in Joan Reardon's AS ALWAYS, JULIA, a saucy soup-to-nuts compilation of the correspondence between Child and lifelong friend Avis DeVoto. As Julia said, 'Life itself is the proper binge.' Let's live it up!"
- Elissa Schappell, "Vanity Fair, " Dec. issue "The women's frank, tender letters are an absolute delight to read, as much for their mouthwatering discussion of cuisine as for the palpable fondness they portray for one another. In an early note, DeVoto calls Child's evolving manuscript "as exciting as a novel to read," and, indeed, so are their conversations."
-"Booklist, " starred review
"This epistolary testament to a close friendship will surely appeal to Child fans."
- "Kirkus Reviews ""Witty, enlightening and entertaining, these letters serve as a compelling companion volume to Mastering the Art of French Cooking.""
"-" Publ