JOY HISTORY

THE ALL NEW ALL PURPOSE JOY OF COOKING

Seventh Edition
Sixth Revision

Authors: Irma Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker and Ethan Becker
Illustrator: Laura Hartman Maestro
Published by: Simon and Schuster/Scribner

The 1997 edition was a departure from JOY tradition. Not since the unauthorized edition in 1962 has the publisher exercised such control over an edition of The Joy of Cooking. This book was compiled under the supervision of a Scribner editor with little influence from the family's new co-author, Ethan Becker.

The agreement between the family and Simon and Schuster was for a revision of the 1975 edition, but the end result was more of a rewrite than a revision. Scribner used commissioned recipes and other material from dozens of food writers from across the country. The end product lacked the whimsical asides and casual, friendly voice for which JOY is famous. Gone too is the in-depth reference materials and teach text. More of a recipe book than all-purpose cookbook, the 1997 disappointed loyal JOY fans, but those in the younger generation found a friend in the kitchen, none the less.

This edition acknowledged the importance of food processors, microwaves, and bread machines. Exciting foods and recipes from other cultures were included from Cuban, Thai, Indian and Japanese cuisine, among others. The 1997 edition also brought to JOY ingredients that were not so readily available in 1975 such as, balsamic vinegar, Asian noodles, chile peppers, basmati rice, and garam masala. Grilled vegetables, gravlax, and Mexican salsas were also included.

COLLECTOR'S VALUES: Available new. Not a collectible at this date.