One of the most beloved figures in 20th century American culture was Julia Child, television's bouyant "French Chef." With an irrepressible sense of humor and a passion for good food, Child ushered in the nation's culinary renaissance and became its chief icon. Millions watched as she spun threads of caramel, wielded live lobsters, flipped omelets and unmolded spectacular desserts. Her occasional disasters, and brilliant recoveries, were legendary....