When I told YumJimmy that we were spotlighting a new book every day in August, he told me to make sure that I mentioned Harold McGee's On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. When it was first published over 20 years ago, it instantly became a success. Many people even consider it to be like an encyclopedia. The classic publication was recently revised and updated - in fact almost every page was rewritten - and the result is a fascinating read. It's another book that will help you learn how to cook, as opposed to just being able to regurgitate recipes. If you're looking for lovely prose and a effortless read, this isn't the tome for you, but if you're looking for something that will really help you take your cooking to the next level then I highly recommend it. It's a must for any culinary student, but I think anyone interested in the why and how will find it fascinating as well.