M. F. K. Fisher

American food writer

Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher (July 3, 1908 – June 22, 1992) was a prominent American food writer. She is best known for her books on food, which combine culinary writing with memoir and travelogue. Her work is celebrated for its evocative prose and insightful observations on the art of eating and living.

Early Life

Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher was born in Albion, Michigan, and raised in Whittier, California. Her father, Rex Kennedy, was the editor of the local newspaper, and her mother, Edith, was a homemaker. Fisher's early life was marked by a love of reading and writing, which she pursued avidly throughout her childhood.

Education and Early Career

Fisher attended Oberlin College in Ohio but left after her first year. She later studied at the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Dijon in France. Her time in France was particularly influential, as it was there that she developed a deep appreciation for French cuisine and culture.

Writing Career

Fisher's writing career began in earnest in the 1930s. Her first book, Serve It Forth, was published in 1937. This was followed by Consider the Oyster (1941) and How to Cook a Wolf (1942), which were well-received and established her reputation as a food writer.

M.F.K. Fisher book jacket

Fisher's writing is characterized by its lyrical style and philosophical musings on the nature of food and its role in human life. She often used food as a lens through which to explore broader themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

Personal Life

Fisher was married three times. Her first marriage was to Alfred Fisher, with whom she traveled extensively in Europe. After their divorce, she married Dillwyn Parrish, a writer and artist. Following Parrish's death, she married Donald Friede, a publisher.

Fisher spent much of her later life in St. Helena, California, where she continued to write and entertain friends and family. Her home in St. Helena became a gathering place for writers, artists, and food enthusiasts.

M.F.K. Fisher's home in St. Helena

Legacy

M.F.K. Fisher's work has had a lasting impact on the field of food writing. Her books continue to be read and admired for their wit, wisdom, and insight into the pleasures of the table. She is often credited with elevating food writing to an art form and inspiring a generation of writers to explore the connections between food, culture, and identity.

Related Pages

• Julia Child
• Alice Waters
• Gastronomy
• American cuisine

External Links

• Official website