ALL ABOUT JOY
THE HISTORY OF THE JOY OF COOKING...
...tells the history of the American kitchen and cuisine. Its eight editions take us from the Depression Era to the 21st century. These books have been passed down through families and many people are curious about the editions on their shelves. Click on the books below to read the history of each edition. Which JOY(s) do you have in your kitchen? If you own older editions, check out Collecting JOYs to discover their current values.
Written and self-published by Irma, illustrated by Marion, this is the JOY that started an American icon.
In less than a year of the release of the 1931 JOY, publisher Bobbs-Merrill discovered The Joy of Cooking and publishing history began.
This revision was released three years early during wartime to teach cooks how to use rations and stretch the grocery budget.
Due to a stroke in 1955, this is the last edition of JOY with which Irma was involved. Marion added illustrations and wrote one of the comprehensive lessons in making bread.
This JOY stands as one of the most outstanding books in the gourmet revolution of the 1950s and 1960s and Marion's first book without the help of her mother.
The culmination of 45 years of knowledge and experience were the foundation of this masterpiece revised by Marion with husband, John's editorial help.
A departure from JOY's traditional format, the 1997 JOY is a publisher driven book with a focus on new ingredients, ethnic cuisines and restaurant style foods.
The 75th Anniversary edition returns to JOY style, and adds new time-saving recipes, restores classic reference material, and includes the best of all JOYs.
The Joy of Cooking has been a family affair since its first publication in 1931 when Irma wrote the book, and her daughter Marion did the illustrations and helped with recipe testing. Today, the book is in the hands of the third generation Ethan Becker, Irma Rombauers's grandson and Marion Becker's son. Ethan's son, John Becker, is the fourth generation and is taking an active role here at The Joy Kitchen. The JOY Family has expanded to include Ethan's wife, Susan Cope Becker, and Maggie Green, both editors and writers on the 2006 anniversary edition. If you love the JOY, you'll enjoy meeting the people who have kept the book thriving for 75 years.
JOY GALLERY
Over the last ten years, we have opened crated ceramics, utensils, silver, and other kitchen items that were used in Irma and Marion's kitchens from the late 1900s to the 1970s. It was so thrilling to uncover these treasures that we couldn't help but share a glimpse into the first two JOY kitchens.
There are other JOY archives to see. You will also find historic publicity and family photos, letters, and autographs. If you have old JOY articles, letters or photos you would like to share, we would appreciate an email. Contact: