Subject
Cooks -- Fiction Books
Best books
Jules Verne
Dick Sands, the Boy Captain
"Dick Sands, the Boy Captain" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1878. When a whaling expedition goes tragically wrong, fifteen-year-old Dick Sand must command a ship with no experienced crew. Through the treachery of the ship's cook, the vessel is secretly diverted to Africa instead of South America, where Dick and his passengers—including a woman, her young son, and several African survivors—find themselves trapped in the brutal world of the slave trade. A tale of courage, deception, and survival unfolds.
Jules Verne
Dick Sand: A Captain at Fifteen
"Dick Sand: A Captain at Fifteen" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1878. When a whaling expedition goes tragically wrong, fifteen-year-old Dick Sand finds himself commanding a ship with no experienced crew. Through treachery and sabotage, the vessel is secretly diverted to Africa instead of South America, delivering its passengers into the hands of slave traders. Dick must protect Mrs. Weldon and her young son while navigating the brutal realities of the African slave trade in this adventure tale addressing one of history's darkest practices.
Alan Dale
Wanted: A Cook Domestic Dialogues
"Wanted: A Cook" by Alan Dale is a domestic comedy written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around a newlywed couple, Archie and Letitia Fairfax, as they navigate the challenges of establishing their home in New York City, particularly focusing on the intriguing dynamics of hiring a cook. Throughout the introductory chapters, the couple's humorous and sometimes absurd interactions with their domestic life, societal norms, and expectations unfold, especially in relation to their new cook, Anna. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Archie and Letitia, who are both highly educated and full of youthful idealism. Their romantic vision of a refined home quickly collides with the practical realities of domesticity, primarily illustrated through their ongoing discussions about the "servant question." After Aunt Julia, Letitia's relative, facilitates their engagement of Anna Carter, the colored cook, the couple anticipates a harmonious household but instead faces comical and discordant events, including their poorly executed "delicatessen dinners" and Anna's unanticipated personality clashes. The opening chapters set the stage for a social critique wrapped in lighthearted banter, highlighting the difficulties of merging high ideals with everyday life.
Nelson S. Bond
Lancelot Biggs cooks a pirate
"Lancelot Biggs cooks a pirate" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction short story published in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1940s. This whimsical tale revolves around the theme of cooking in outer space, presenting a unique blend of adventure and humor as the protagonist, Lancelot Biggs, discovers he has a knack for culinary science under duress. The story mixes elements of space travel, pirate lore, and an unusual focus on chemistry as it relates to cooking. In the narrative, the crew of the spacecraft "Saturn" finds itself in a dire predicament when their cook, affectionately known as Slops, is fired due to his exclusive tapioca diet. Unable to find a replacement in port, the first mate, Lancelot Biggs, is reluctantly appointed as the new cook. When they receive word of the notorious pirate Runt Hake on their trajectory, Biggs devises a clever plan to use a rare hormone, prolactin, in their meals to alter the pirates' personalities during a sumptuous dinner. The approach causes Hake and his crew to become overly affectionate, allowing the crew of the "Saturn" to outsmart them and save themselves. With humor, cleverness, and a touch of science, Bond crafts an entertaining exploration of the unexpected prowess of an unlikely protagonist in extreme circumstances.
Nelson S. Bond
Captain Chaos
"Captain Chaos" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction short story originally published in the summer of 1942. The narrative revolves around a space crew aboard the ship Leo, who, in the midst of a war with the Outer Planets Alliance, encounters a series of comedic and chaotic events triggered by their new cook. The story reflects on themes of survival, camaraderie, and the essential roles individuals can play in extraordinary circumstances while also weaving in elements of humor and unexpected twists. The plot begins with Lieutenant Dugan and Captain O'Hara searching for a new cook after their regular chef falls ill just as they are about to embark on a mission to Callisto. They encounter Andy Laney—who eventually reveals to be Ann Delaney, a skilled cook posing as a man due to gender restrictions in space travel. Chaos ensues as the crew faces the threat of enemy ships and a hostile commander, Ras Thuul. However, through Ann’s quick thinking and ingenuity, they manage to overcome the situation using an improvised cannon and outsmart their adversaries. The story culminates in a successful mission and a shift in societal norms, with women finally being allowed to serve aboard spaceships, personally linking the triumph to Ann's contributions—who ultimately becomes Dugan's wife. The tale blends science fiction with humor, showcasing how unassuming individuals can turn the tide in crisis.
Margaret St. Clair
Return Engagement
"Return Engagement" by Margaret St. Clair is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around a human named Joseph McBream, who recounts a peculiar incident involving an Earthman, Denis Farquarson, a distinguished culinary figure on an intergalactic voyage. The story explores themes of cultural misunderstanding, the consequences of carelessness, and the quirks of interspecies interactions. The tale begins with Farquarson's poorly timed curiosity about an alien delicacy, which leads him to inadvertently put himself in peril among the Talipygians, a non-humanoid species native to the satellite Iapetus. After unwittingly cooking foods sacred to the Talipygians, Farquarson’s life hangs in the balance, prompting McBream to embark on a rescue mission. The adventure unfolds with humorous and dramatic elements, culminating in a whimsical resolution where Farquarson must fulfill an annual commitment to entertain the Talipygians, much to McBream's annoyance at being overlooked despite his crucial role in saving his life. Overall, the story combines comedy and a thoughtful exploration of human and alien relationships in an imaginative universe.
Allen Kim Lang
Gourmet
"Gourmet" by Allen Kim Lang is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. This narrative explores the unique challenges of food preparation aboard a spaceship, emphasizing the significance of a ship's cook and the complexities involved in maintaining morale through culinary creativity in the confines of space travel. It delves into the intersection of culinary art and survival in a futuristic setting where traditional food sources are absent, and innovation is not just encouraged but required. The story follows Ship’s Surgeon Paul Vilanova and the crew aboard the spaceship "Charles Partlow Sale", primarily focusing on the dynamics between the Ship's Cook, Robert Bailey, and the stern Captain Willy Winkelmann. As they journey to Mars, Vilanova observes Bailey's struggles to meet the Captain's high standards despite the limitations of their algae-based diet. Tensions rise as Winkelmann's relentless criticisms drive Bailey to new culinary heights, ultimately leading to innovative dishes created from the ship's recycled food resources. The story culminates in a subtle recognition of the necessity of both the captain's harsh demands and the cook's ingenuity, illustrating a deeper bond between the two as they navigate the challenges of space travel and their own interpersonal conflicts.
Jules Verne
Ο δεκαπενταετής πλοίαρχος
"Ο δεκαπενταετής πλοίαρχος" by Jules Verne is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces readers to the adventures of a young boy named Dick Sand, who becomes the captain of a whaling ship named "Pilgrim." Set against a backdrop of maritime danger and exploration, the narrative promises to follow the trials and growth of its youthful protagonist. At the start of the narrative, the ship "Pilgrim," owned by a wealthy Californian shipowner, is preparing for a whaling expedition. Captain Hull and his small crew navigate towards the waters of New Zealand, where the whaling season is underway. However, unforeseen complications arise as Captain Hull faces challenges in his crew's disobedience and the shift in whale populations. The arrival of Mrs. Weldon and her son, along with their cousin, Dick Sand, introduces new dynamics as they embark on a long journey back to the Americas, bringing in elements of adventure and family longing. Verne sets the stage for a thrilling voyage, focusing on themes of courage, survival, and leadership.
Jules Verne
Kaptajnen paa 15 Aar (I Slavelænker)
"Kaptajnen paa 15 Aar (I Slavelænker)" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1878. When a whaling voyage goes disastrously wrong, fifteen-year-old Dick Sand finds himself commanding a ship with no experienced crew. Manipulated by a treacherous cook, the vessel is secretly diverted to Africa instead of South America. What begins as a navigation error becomes a harrowing struggle for survival as Dick and his passengers—including a woman, her young son, and African survivors—fall into the hands of slave traders in Angola's brutal interior.
Jules Verne
Een Kapitein van Vijftien Jaar De Walvischjagers
"Een Kapitain van Vijftien Jaar" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1878. When the crew of a whaling ship perishes, fifteen-year-old Dick Sand must command the vessel with only inexperienced survivors to help. But the ship's cook has sinister plans, secretly steering them off course to Africa instead of South America. There, Dick and his passengers—including a woman and her young son—face slave traders, treacherous guides, and a deadly struggle for survival in the jungle.
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