Harvard gets British food writer's papers

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.-- Elizabeth David (1913-1992) was the foremost British food writer of her day, considered an inspiration for later culinary authorities including Julia Child and Claudia Roden.

The Schlesinger Library of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University has announced it is acquiring the Elizabeth David papers, consisting of correspondence, diaries, travel journals, handwritten recipe files and photographs.

David's first book, written in 1950, was the classic "A Book of Mediterranean Food," a passionate mixture of recipes, culinary lore and food culture.

She wrote eight other books, and many articles and essays.