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How long does it take to read Theory & Practice of Good Cooking?

James Beard

Theory & Practice of Good Cooking by James Beard takes about 8 hours 32 minutes to read at 250 words a minute.

About 8 hours 32 minutes

A week or two of reading

First published 1977. 465 pages, about 127,875 words.

18 days at 30 minutes a day

Estimate based on 275 words per page.

At other speeds

Slow, 150 words a minute 14 hours 13 minutes
Average, 250 words a minute 8 hours 32 minutes
Fast, 400 words a minute 5 hours 20 minutes

The page count is the median across 9 editions, so your copy may differ. How we calculate.

About the book

Abstract: The fundamental principles of cooking are presented for beginners and expert cooks alike. Each chapter is built around a method of preparation rather than a category of foods, and begins with a detailed description of several techniques, spiced with anecdotes, cooking tips, preparation methods, and equipment descriptions. Thus, the chapter on "Boiling" discusses simmering and reducing, making and using court bouillion, and then launches into the recipes that put these techniques to practical application. Other chapters feature braising, grilling, baking, thickeners, chilling, etc. Kitchen tools are discussed and illustrated; a check list includes everything from aluminum foil to electrical appliances. A chapter on "Noncooking" describes dishes made from raw meats, fruits, and vegetables (e.g., seviche or gazpacho). The "Concordance" is an invaluable shopping guide to food varieties, cuts of meat, seasonings, and where and when to find the best quality.

Subjects: Cooking, Cookery

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