The Measure of Her Powers 2nd (second) edition Text Only

by M.F.K. Fisher

Perhaps it is the title, The Measure of Her Powers, that is the organizing principle behind this collection of writings lifted from the incredible oeuvre that M.F.K. Fisher left behind. A measurement, then, a means of finally understanding what all the noise may or may not be about. There are 27 books attributed to Fisher on the cover flap. Her writings pretty much cover a life lived full throttle from 1908 to 1992; The Measure of Her Powers pretty much covers her life as it has been written. It's kind of like peering at a fascinating woman in different times in a long life through a ViewMaster, clicking right the girl at school, the young woman in France and Switzerland, the widow and mother in California, and so on. All of it is "seen" through a strong, gentle, steady voice. Clicking right along.She was a better writer when exploring food and passion in her early works than she was later when reflecting. Exactly when any given piece was actually written is left off, though the original title from which any piece of text was drawn is included. The truly vigilant and curious could assemble the publishing dates and explore the times of this writer's life, comparing the one to the other.The Measure of Her Powers is a grand excuse, really, to discover and to rediscover so unique an American writer as M.F.K. Fisher. For those who have never had the thrill of hearing that fluid voice of hers extolling the pleasures of a good meal and good company, it is here and waiting. For those who have forgotten that thrill, the reminder can be found between these covers. This is a text that points back to original volumes, where the writer may be more fully explored and appreciated. In some of those volumes the power of Fisher has no limits. In other volumes a certain tiresomeness and pointlessness creeps in. The Measure of Her Powers deftly maps the territory. --Schuyler Ingle

Genres: Food, Nonfiction, Cooking, Food Writing, Essays, Memoir

Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher was a prolific and well-respected writer, writing more than 20 books during her lifetime and also publishing two volumes of journals and correspondence shortly before her death in 1992. Her first book, Serve it Forth, was published in 1937. Her books deal primarily with food, considering it from many aspects: preparation, natural history, culture, and philosophy. Fisher believed that eating well was just one of the "arts of life" and explored the art of living as a secondary theme in her writing. Her style and pacing are noted elements of her short stories and essays.

Reviews

[Jennifer Rust · Rating 5 out of 5]

MFK Fisher is sometimes described as a food writer. That is a most incomplete description of this perceptive woman, who writes about living well by traveling, dining, and making a home. This is a collection of essays drawn from several of her books. The descriptions of the homes she has built, whether in Provence or California, make me want to travel there.

[Judith Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

These snippets of MFK`s writings were very revealing. Being past eighty myself, the last few especially are helping me cope with old age, frailty, disappointment and dying. She had such great insights into the human condition.

[Aranya]

I need This

[Jeankil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always wise; always a graceful writer.

[John Mohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

She writes so beautifully, so honestly, about so many subjects. Warning: This collection will lead you to read more Fisher.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I read to page 262 and gave up.

I picked up this book about reading several times about how MFK Fisher was the mother of food writing, brillant, etc. I figured the set up of this book: chapters and excerpts from her larger books, would be a good intorduction. Unfortunately, the format proved distracting, if anything, as there seemed to be no real order to the selections.

I had high hopes for Ms. Fisher and found myself dissapointed, less by the quality of her writing, which is a tad repetitive, and more by the character of Fisher herself, who is central to all of her writing. There is an upper-class quality to Ms. Fisher, who rides in first class and thinks that all waiters have a special fondness for her that grew increasingly destestable to me. I find it hard to stomach a woman writing about defeating the "wolf" of starvation, while, in her own words, drinking a second glass of wine.

Despite the medical issues of her children and husbands, Fisher seems to be able to live wherever she wants in whatever style she so chooses and instead of making me feel that anyone can appreciate the wonders of food, Fisher unintentionally leads this reader to feel that it is only for those of her quality.

[Deirdre K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only finished half, most from The Gastronomical Me, our latest book club pick. I'd heard about Fisher for years, and now I can't understand why I waited so long to read her. I chose this anthology because of mixed reviews that made her sound indulgent or snobby---and she is both at times, but she is also straight-forward and hilarious.

I'm reviewing it now because I imagine I'll dip back and forth in it until I finish while reading other books this summer. I'd love to read a biography of her---any recommendations?

[Heather Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an okay bedside table book for a longtime, well established Fisher fan. But it is not a good introduction to her work. Many of the pieces are cut short. I am not sure what she would have thought of this. I would have preferred a reader with fewer selections reprinted in their entirety. Still, I can't rate anything she writes with less than three stars, because what is there is marvelous.

[Jamie]

Ugh. Really bad title. But I got it anyway to replace this lovely old M.F.K. Fisher collection that I pilfered from my mom's shelf and then, in a fit of largesse, gave to my girlfriend, figuring I could always get it back. Well, she split and I never saw it again. So I've got this three dollar copy with a bad title, a funky font and some of the best food writing ever.

[Rosminah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of MFK Fisher correspondence. I've peck away at this book every now and then. It gets more granular on events in her life that aren't described well in her Art of Eating stories, such as the suicide death of her brother, and family and friend relationships.

[Rougecygne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything MFK has written seems to speak to me. She has a strong voice coupled with a love of food and life in general. Her words at times so sensual I can almost smell, and taste. She was an incredible woman.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about M.F. K. Fisher's writing that appeals to me - besides the subject of food, of course. Straightforward, honest, no nonsense writing. I think her writing is overlooked, but it shouldn't be. Anyone who appreciates memoirs by a food writer would appreciate this book.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A decently rounded out collection of essays from other works by MFK Fisher, the mother of modern American food writing. Great springboard to her other works.

[haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most amazing food(as well as prose) writers that ever lived. A fascinating lady who lived an incredibly interesting life, and I pretty much like everything she ever does.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology is leading me into all the other feasts by this author

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

MFK Fisher is the best food writer out there...but don't read her books on an empty stomach. You were warned.

[Dahlia · Rating 5 out of 5]

never heard of mfk fisher, and what a shame that is! a beautiful sampling of her writing, i will definitely be reading more.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of the year. Poetry in motion, poignant, an amazing voice. I was lost when I finished it.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny, tragic, witty, insightful...wonderful!