In the section "On the History of Women in the Kitchen," the reader learns how, 10,000 years ago, women influenced the food supply and preparation. Women in the Quaker kitchen were renowned for their fine cuisine and even prepared food for the President of the United States. Between 1800 and 1809 in Thomas Jefferson's White House two black slave women, Edith and Fanny, "prepared dishes considered novelties even by the standards of elite Washington."

A Woman's Place Is in the Kitchen includes numerous illustrations, photographs and side bars. In one side bar, we learn about the evolution of the fictional Betty Crocker; in another we learn that Fannie Farmer, author of one of the best selling cookbooks of all time, had a permanent debilitating stroke when she was 13.

Anyone interested in the preparation of food will enjoy A Woman's Place Is in the Kitchen, but it is more than a book about preparing food. A Woman's Place Is in the Kitchen is about women whose desire, tenacity, intellect, and passion overcame prejudice and barriers. It is the story of women who opened restaurants for the rich and famous and became famous; it is about chefs who have worked for the Salvation Army and Food Stamp programs, about individuals who commit time, energy, and talents to improve the nutrition of children throughout the world. It is a book about people with a passion and commitment who care, try, and succeed.

Ann Cooper