Enjoy Free Shipping on all Vintage Book Purchases!

  • Home
  • 1-989-423-0430
  • Cart (0)
  • Checkout
  • Shop  
    • New Finds
    • Cookbook & Recipes
    • Classic Fiction
    • Children's Classics
    • History
    • Tales of the Sea
    • Estate Sale Finds
    • Nature
    • Art Books for all Ages
    • Fishing & Hunting
    • Mystery
    • Ephemera  
      • Postcards
      • Yearbook's
      • Paperback
    • Medical
    • Sports  
      • Golf
    • Railroad
    • Ephemera
    • How-To Books
  • Vintage Addicts Blog
  • Resources 
    • FAQ
    • Privacy Policies
    • We Buy Old Books
    • Festival Schedule
    • Glossary of Terms
The Vintage Addicts Blog

5 Interesting Facts Featuring: Julia Child

November 24, 2020

5 Interesting Facts Featuring: Julia Child

Julia Child, not just a bestselling author and chef

Julia Child was much more than a bestselling cookbook writer and chef. Did you know that she was also a breast cancer survivor, a TV trailblazer, and a government spy throughout her life?

1- Spy During World War II

Julia Child took a position at the Office of Strategic Services, think CIA 1.0. She started as a research assistant in the Secret Intelligence division; by working hard, Julia moved up the ladder to the OSS Registry chief. Getting this position meant Julia had a top-level security clearance.

This is where she met Paul Child, the OSS officer she would eventually marry.

2-Married In Bandages

When the war was over, Julia and Paul Child chose to take a "few months to get to know each other in civilian clothes." They visited family and traveled before marrying.  

Julia remembered she was "extremely happy, but a bit banged up from a car accident the day before." Julia had to wear a bandage on her face for her wedding photos.  

3-Nine Years to Write Her First Cookbook

Mastering the Art of French Cooking transformed home cuisine when it was published in 1961—but the revolution didn't occur overnight. Child first began work on her famous cookbook in 1952, after meeting Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle.

This pair of French women worked on a cookbook intended to teach Americans the Art of French cuisine. Child represented the voice of the American chef as the third author. After nine years of research, rewrites and dismissals happened before the cookbook found a publisher at Alfred A. Knopf.

4-Famous for Scrambling Eggs on PBS

Julia Child's big Television break began from an unlikely beginning: Boston's local tv station. While supporting Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Child was a guest on the program I've Been Reading.

Instead of sitting down and discussing recipes, Child began cracking eggs into a pan and cooking them on a hot plate she carried with her. She made an omelet while filming and answered questions; the viewers loved it. 

5-Breast Cancer Survivor

Julia Child's doctors requested a mastectomy in the late 1960s following a regular biopsy that came back cancerous. She was depressed after her 10-days in hospital. Her husband, Paul, was a mess during all of Julia's health issues. 

Eventually Julia became outspoken about her procedure, hoping that it would eliminate the stigma for other women. In Time Magazine, Child was quoted saying, "I would certainly not pussyfoot around having a radical [mastectomy] because it's not worth it."

Bonus-The Sacred Bag

All of Julia Childs's tools were kept in a "SACRED BAG" According to a 1974 article in the New Yorker, Child traveled with a huge black canvas bag called the "sacred bag." No, not blessed artifacts, the bag held the cooking tools she couldn't survive without. 

The sacred bag held her pastry-cutting wheel, her personal flour scoop, knives, with other special cooking tools. She started carrying this bag when The French Chef premiered and only trusted special people with its care.

Learn More About Julia the Chef through her cookbooks

You can learn more about Julia Child by reading one of her many cookbooks I have in stock. Her knowledge, personality, and love of food shine through the recipes. Enjoy!

Reading Vintage has many cookbooks in the Recipes and Cookbook collection that you will find very informative and unique.

Happy Reading,

Pam of Reading Vintage

 

 



Tweet Share Pin It Email

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in The Vintage Addicts Blog

reading books strenthing mind blog-Reading Vintage
5 Ways to Improve Your Brainpower

September 24, 2020

We live in a world of distraction.

Do your everyday reading habits consist of Facebook updates, texts from friends, or the recipe in your favorite cookbook for your next meal? Push notifications are always alerting us about breaking news, e-mails comments, or advertising. 

If you've become one of the many people who doesn't make a habit of reading daily, you might be missing out on vital exercise for your brain.

Continue Reading

The Essential Guide to Antique, Vintage, and Retro!
The Essential Guide to Antique, Vintage, and Retro!

August 20, 2020 1 Comment

The words antique, vintage, and retro are often used when shopping at antique festivals, second-hand stores, and flea markets. Dealers selling old pieces have been known to use "antique' to add more value to the item they are selling.

Learning what these terms mean can only help you in the bargaining process. This article can help you add an elusive piece you have been looking for to your shelves at a fair price.

Continue Reading

Canning or Freezing?
Canning or Freezing?

August 05, 2020

Its August, your garden, the farmer's markets, and roadside stands are bursting with yummy fresh fruits and vegetables. 

If you're like our household, you are eating BLT with fresh tomatoes lettuce and corn on the cob once a day.

Continue Reading

Links
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policies
  • We Buy Used Books
Calling all Book Nerds!

Sign up To Receive Updates on All Things Vintage, Author

Spotlights, Exclusive Offers, and New Finds.

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Home

© 2021 Reading Vintage. 4215 Dyckman Road Midland Mi. 48640 Powered by Shopify

American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Elo Google Pay JCB Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Venmo Visa