In this book, Willan offers over 200 recipes, from time-honored classics to regional specialties that are beyond delicious. Chronicle Books design director Sara Schneider was tasked with creating a large-format (even monumental!) book that is both a stunning travelogue and an authoritative compendium on French cooking. Over three years in the making, the book is a collaboration between Schneider and photographer France Ruffenach to document place, people and food—including more than 270 gorgeous photos. “We did three marathon trips to France in different seasons of the year to capture the content of the manuscript,” explains Schneider. “The photographer is originally from Paris, so she speaks the language. [Ruffenach] is great at getting people to open up and do what they do in front of her. It feels very intimate.” Willan, clearly thrilled with the collaboration, says, “The result of the entire package is a vivid evocation of country France as we who live here know it, and as visitors would love to see it.” by Terry Lee Stone