This Is TASTE 697: Translating Italian Cooking’s Holy Grail
Dec 5, 2025
In this conversation, book editor Michael Szczerban, known for his work on influential cookbooks, discusses his decade-long journey to translate Ada Boni's iconic cooking reference, The Talisman of Happiness. He shares insights into Boni's impactful recipes and her unique workflow influenced by travels across Italy. Michael reveals challenges faced during the translation of 1,680 recipes and highlights surprising techniques like baked risotto. For food enthusiasts, this is a fascinating dive into the foundations of Italian cuisine and the art of cookbook editing.
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Edit To Meet The Reader
- As an editor, Michael looks for proposals that meet readers where they are and bring original insight.
- He values authors with integrity, authority, and the ability to take readers on a journey.
Cooking As Cultural Preservation
- Ada Boni documented regional Italian cooking as Italy urbanized and traditions risked being lost.
- She aimed to explain Italy to itself and teach families how to cook through a magazine-based project.
A Decade-Long Discovery
- Michael Szczerban first heard of Ada Boni from Samin Nosrat while editing Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat.
- He then spent years trying to find a full English translation and an obtainable rights holder.
