collaboration with Jacques Ppin, Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home (1999) -- were all accompanied by books of the same names. The Way to Cook, her magnum opus, was published in 1989, and in 2000 she gave us Julia's Kitchen Wisdom, a distillation of her years of cooking experience. Her memoir, My Life in France, was published posthumously in 2006. She died in 2004. Julia is an absolute genius. I cook alot and some of the great tips in the dvd have been passed down to me from my mom. But, there were so many more. Obviously, the recipes are outdated in terms of fat/salt content. But just watching Julia in action and how she handles the food is worth the price. The companion book is wonderful and organized. I love this set. Amazingly, Julia Child is able to be many things - master chef, charming presenter, and inspiration. She is able to pick up all the elements of classic French cookery, and make us feel 'hey I can do that too.' Of course Child pioneered bringing French cooking ideals to America, overcoming hurdles and challenges of the 'old school elite' in France. Yet she relates it all with simplicity, warmth and great encouragement. In this DVD set Julia teaches cooking skills so effectively because she shares her passion and commitment - this all flows effortlessly from the core of her being with great warmth and charm. She serves culinary excellence because she WANTS to, and this is a great