The Talisman of HappinessThe Talisman of Happiness

1929, two years beforeThe Joy of Cookingwas published in America, and two decades beforeThe Silver Spoonin Italy, Ada Boni wroteThe Talisman of Happiness-the original must-have culinary bible for Italians. Generations of cooks have turned to "Il Talismano" as the definitive source for classic dishes that bring comfort, nostalgia, and deep pleasure-including the iconic Marcella Hazan, who used the book to teach herself how to cook. Cataloging all the flavors and traditions that define Italian cuisine, it quickly became a quintessential wedding gift: a talisman of luck for newlyweds beginning a new life. "There can be no true happiness," Boni wrote, "if such an essential part of our daily lives as eating is neglected." Talismanbecame a national treasure, growing in length every time a new edition was published. In this landmark first English edition of the complete work, featuring nearly 1,700 recipes, American cooks can finally appreciateTalismanin full.