AB
Alice B. Toklas
19quotes
Alice B. Toklas
Full Name and Common Aliases
Alice B. Toklas was born Alice Babette Goddard on April 16, 1877, in Spriggsdale, Pennsylvania. She is more commonly known by her married name, Alice B. Toklas.
Birth and Death Dates
April 16, 1877 - May 7, 1967
Nationality and Profession(s)
American writer, chef, and socialite, best known for being the companion of author Gertrude Stein.
Early Life and Background
Alice Babette Goddard grew up in a Quaker family with strong ties to literature and art. Her early life was marked by a love for reading and music, which would later influence her own creative pursuits. In 1904, Alice married George Davis Toklas, but the marriage remained childless and eventually ended in divorce.
Major Accomplishments
Alice B. Toklas's literary career flourished with the publication of her memoirs, _The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook_, in 1954. This collection of recipes and stories about her life with Gertrude Stein became a bestseller, introducing readers to the world of French cuisine and the bohemian lifestyle of Paris' expatriate community.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to _The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook_, Alice wrote several other books, including _Staying On Alone_ (1968) and _What is American Cooking?_ (1959). Her work as a writer often blended elements of cookbook, memoir, and travelogue, providing readers with a glimpse into her life with Gertrude Stein in Paris.
Impact and Legacy
Alice B. Toklas's influence on culinary culture cannot be overstated. Her introduction to French cuisine and the art of cooking for friends and family helped popularize this style of cooking worldwide. As the companion of Gertrude Stein, Alice also played a significant role in promoting American modernism through her relationships with other artists and writers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Alice B. Toklas's association with some of the most influential figures of the early 20th century – including Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald – has cemented her place in literary history. Her unique blend of culinary expertise, cultural insight, and personal anecdotes continues to captivate readers today.
Alice B. Toklas's legacy extends beyond her writing as well; she was a central figure in the expatriate community that flourished in Paris between the wars. As the companion of Gertrude Stein, Alice embodied the spirit of bohemianism and modernity that defined this era. Her contributions to culinary culture, literary history, and our understanding of American identity continue to inspire new generations of readers.
With her wit, charm, and flair for storytelling, Alice B. Toklas has left an enduring mark on popular culture. As a testament to the power of creative collaboration and the importance of preserving cultural heritage, her life and work remain an essential part of our shared literary history.
Quotes by Alice B. Toklas
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I have just learned a delicious French usage. On wedding invitations when they say the mass is at noon they mean one o’clock -when they say at noon precise they mean half after twelve – and when they say at very precisely noon they mean noon.
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The first gathering of salads, radishes and herbs made me feel like a mother about her baby – how could anything so beautiful be mine?
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This has been a most wonderful evening. Gertrude has said things tonight it will take her 10 years to understand.
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What is sauce for the goose may be sauce for the gander but is not necessarily sauce for the chicken, the duck, the turkey or the guinea hen.
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The first gathering of salads, radishes and herbs made me feel like a mother about her baby - how could anything so beautiful be mine?
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There is nothing that is comparable to it, as satisfactory or as thrilling, as gathering the vegetables one has grown.
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In the menu, there should be a climax and a culmination. Come to it gently. One will suffice.
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