Claire
Julia Child wrote or co-wrote 18 books between 1961 and 2006. Her first was Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961), co-authored with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle. Her last was the memoir My Life in France (2006), published after her death. Below is the complete list of Julia Child cookbooks in chronological order, with notes on what each one covers and which to buy first.
My copy of Mastering has a cracked spine and butter stains on page 315. The boeuf bourguignon, naturally. That’s what a real cookbook should look like when you’re done with it.
How Many Books Did Julia Child Write?
Most people know Mastering the Art of French Cooking. That’s the famous one. But Julia published many more books, and some of her later work is actually more accessible for home cooks.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961 & 1970)
This is it. The book that changed everything.
Volume 1 (1961) was co-authored with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle. It took nearly 10 years to write. One publisher rejected it for being “too long.” When it finally came out, it became a sensation.
This wasn’t a simplified “French-ish” cookbook for Americans. It was the real thing. Detailed, precise, uncompromising. And somehow, completely accessible.
Volume 2 (1970) focused on French breads, pastries, and charcuterie. Julia wrote this one with Simone Beck only, as Louisette Bertholle did not participate.
My recommendation: If you only buy one Julia Child cookbook, make it Volume 1. It’s the foundation of everything else.
The Way to Cook (1989)
This is Julia’s most comprehensive solo work. It’s also more accessible than Mastering.
The Way to Cook includes step-by-step photographs and covers a wider range of cuisines. It embraces modern kitchen tools like food processors. It’s designed for cooks who want thorough instruction without the intimidation.
My recommendation: If Mastering feels too daunting, start here.
All Julia Child Cookbooks in Order (Complete List)
Here’s every book Julia wrote or co-wrote, in chronological order:
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1 | With Simone Beck & Louisette Bertholle |
| 1968 | The French Chef Cookbook | Companion to her TV show |
| 1970 | Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 2 | With Simone Beck |
| 1975 | From Julia Child’s Kitchen | Personal recipes and notes |
| 1978 | Julia Child & Company | TV series companion |
| 1979 | Julia Child & More Company | Follow-up to Company |
| 1989 | The Way to Cook | Comprehensive cooking manual |
| 1991 | Julia Child’s Menu Cookbook | Combines Company books |
| 1993 | Cooking With Master Chefs | TV series companion |
| 1995 | In Julia’s Kitchen with Master Chefs | TV series companion |
| 1996 | Baking with Julia | Focus on baking |
| 1998 | Julia’s Delicious Little Dinners | Quick meals |
| 1998 | Julia’s Menus for Special Occasions | Entertaining |
| 1999 | Julia’s Breakfasts, Lunches & Suppers | All-day cooking |
| 1999 | Julia’s Casual Dinners | Relaxed entertaining |
| 1999 | Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home | With Jacques Pepin |
| 2000 | Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom | Essential techniques |
| 2006 | My Life in France | Memoir (posthumous) |
What Are Julia Child’s Other Cookbooks?
The French Chef Cookbook (1968)
Recipes from her landmark PBS television series. A great companion if you’re watching the episodes.
From Julia Child’s Kitchen (1975)
More personal than Mastering. Features her husband Paul’s photographs.
Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home (1999)
Co-authored with her dear friend Jacques Pepin. Shows their different cooking styles side by side. One of my favorites.
Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom (2000)
A slim book of essential techniques. Perfect for quick reference while cooking.
My Life in France (Memoir, 2006)
Not a cookbook, but essential reading for any Julia Child fan.
Published after her death, My Life in France was written with her grandnephew Alex Prud’homme. It tells the story of how Julia discovered cooking in Paris, trained at Le Cordon Bleu, and wrote Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
This is the book that inspired the movie Julie & Julia. Read about Julia’s secret WWII service →
How Much Is a First Edition Julia Child Cookbook Worth?
For collectors, first edition copies of Mastering the Art of French Cooking can be quite valuable.
General pricing:
- First edition (good condition): $200-500
- Signed by Julia Child: $1,000-3,000
- Signed by Julia Child AND Simone Beck: $3,000-8,500+
- True first printing in fine condition with dust jacket: Premium prices
Where to find them:
- AbeBooks
- eBay (with caution)
- Rare book dealers like Raptis Rare Books or Bauman Rare Books
If you’re collecting, condition matters enormously. Look for books with intact dust jackets.
Did Julia Child Write The Joy of Cooking?
No. The Joy of Cooking was written by Irma S. Rombauer, first published in 1931. This is a common confusion. Julia Child’s famous cookbook is Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961). Interestingly, Julia herself was a fan of Joy of Cooking and once met Irma Rombauer.
I get this question a lot. Two different books, two different authors, two different cooking traditions.
Which Julia Child Cookbook Should I Buy First?
Here’s my recommendation based on your experience level:
| Your Level | Start With |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom (2000) |
| Intermediate | The Way to Cook (1989) |
| Serious Home Cook | Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1 (1961) |
| Julia Fan | My Life in France (2006), then the cookbooks |
| Collector | First edition of Mastering, Vol. 1 |
My personal copy of Mastering has a cracked spine and butter stains on page 315. That’s what a cookbook should look like when you’re done with it.
Learn more about Julia Child’s life →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cookbooks did Julia Child write?
Julia wrote or co-wrote 18 books between 1961 and 2006, including cookbooks, TV series companions, and one memoir (My Life in France).
What is Julia Child’s most famous cookbook?
Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961) is her most famous and influential work. It took nearly ten years to write and changed how Americans approached French food at home.
Did Julia Child write The Joy of Cooking?
No. The Joy of Cooking was written by Irma S. Rombauer in 1931. Julia’s famous cookbook is Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961). The two are often confused because both are landmark American cookbooks.
How much is a first edition Mastering the Art of French Cooking worth?
First editions range from $200 to $8,500+ depending on condition and signatures. A signed first edition in good condition typically sells for $1,000-3,000.
Which Julia Child cookbook is best for beginners?
Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom (2000) or The Way to Cook (1989) are more accessible starting points. Mastering the Art of French Cooking is the definitive work but can be intimidating for new cooks.
What was Julia Child’s last book?
My Life in France (2006), a memoir written with her grandnephew Alex Prud’homme, published after her death. It tells the story of how Julia became a chef and wrote her first cookbook.
What was Julia Child’s best-selling cookbook?
Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1 (1961) is her best-selling and most influential book. It has been in print for over 60 years and still sells consistently. The Way to Cook (1989) is her most comprehensive solo work and a strong second choice.
Did Julia Child write all her cookbooks alone?
No. Several were co-authored. Mastering the Art of French Cooking Vol. 1 was written with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle. Vol. 2 was with Simone Beck only. Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home (1999) was with Jacques Pepin. My Life in France (2006) was written with her grandnephew Alex Prud’homme. Many of her other books were companion volumes to her TV series.
– Claire
