Whether your tastes run to foie gras or french fries, this tasty compilation of the wise, the weird, and the faintly absurd will soon have you asking for more. An essential ingredient in any kitchen, The Cooks Companion is stuffed with food facts, fiction, science, history, and trivia. With a measure of browsing, you will learn: Who invented the tin can. What an arachibutyrophobiac might be afraid of. Why cannibals consider the French to be more delicious than Spaniards. What to do when your souffl wont rise. Who risked his life to smuggle seven coffee beans. And why rhubarb can be dangerous. A well-stocked larder for the mind, ready for leisurely feasting or a quick midnight snack. NOTE: Cover may be different.