Cookbooks with a philosophy

[kima]

I was just perusing my large cookbook shelf and began thinking about the books that have had a real influence on me- not just in the way I cook but how I view the world. For example I bought Diet for a Small Planet when I was 18 and loved it. Yes some of the nutrtional info is out of date but the introduction alone is worth keeping. The I got Laurel's Kitchen. Even now 20 years later I re-read the introduction for its inspirational words on the importance of home and homemaking. I read that at 20 just before I got married and that philosophy guided me in my early years of marriage and young children. Again, the message may seem old fashioned and indeed slightly sexist in todays world but I believe its message is even more relevant in todays fast paced world. Other books that have inspired me include The More with Less cookbook(great basic recipes) and Whole Food for the Whole Family published by the LaLeche League. This one is great for mothers of toddlers etc-great fail proof recipes. My copies of both these books are tattered, scribbled on and much loved. I don't want new copies -these are special mementos of my wonderful life as a stay at home mum.
Anyone else have any books that have had an impact on them beyond the way they cook?

[Natasha]

Well, this are not exactly cookbooks with a philosophy, but I enjoy very old cookbooks that give me a glimpse into life in past eras. I don't often make the recipes in such books, but they're such fun to read.

This is also not a cookbook with a philosophy as such, but I do enjoy my copy of the Pillsbury Bake-Off cookbook. I have not made much from it (though whatever I have made was good), but I like browsing through it and reading about past entries and winners. It gives you a perspective on how attitudes toward cooking vary from generation to generation, but reminds you of how one thing will never change: how nurturing cooking can be (to yourself and to others).