Top 9 Anthony Bourdain Books

Joshua Johnson
8 min readSep 28, 2024

Dive into the world of Anthony Bourdain, the renowned chef and food explorer, through this captivating roundup of his books. This insightful article not only introduces you to Bourdain's culinary adventures but also delves deep into his personal tales. Get ready to indulge in flavors from around the globe and embrace your gastronomic curiosity as we embark on this literary journey.

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1. My Last Supper

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50 Great Chefs and Their Final Meals: Portraits, Interviews, and Recipes

In the riveting "My Last Supper, " 50 of the world's greatest chefs reveal their ultimate meal choices, offering a tantalizing glimpse into their culinary passions. Acclaimed journalist Melanie Dunea delves into the lives of these renowned culinary masters, weaving together captivating portraits, enlightening interviews, and mouth-watering recipes.

Join the likes of Alice Waters, Jacques Pepin, and Gordon Ramsay as they share the dishes they would savor on their final night. This must-read collection of stories and recipes is an exquisite celebration of the world's most famous chefs, reminiscent of "The Aristocrats" and "Vanity Fair. " Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in the extraordinary culinary tales that await in "My Last Supper. ".

  • Authors: Melanie Dunea
  • Publisher: A&C Black
  • Published Date: January 01, 2007
  • Page Count: 232
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Cooking
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. The Nasty Bits

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Collected Varietal Cuts, Usable Trim, Scraps, and Bones

New York Times best-selling author and renowned chef Anthony Bourdain unapologetically dishes out his most candid adventures in "The Nasty Bits. " In this unfiltered collection of stories, Bourdain fearlessly spills the beans on his travels abroad, revealing the gritty side of making television, and sharing his scathing opinions on the food industry. With a mix of previously unpublished content and fan favorites, this brutal and fiercely entertaining book offers a tantalizing taste of Bourdain's unvarnished reality. "The Nasty Bits" is an irresistible, passionate, and brutally honest journey that will leave readers both entertained and enlightened.

  • Authors: Anthony Bourdain
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
  • Published Date: December 10, 2008
  • Page Count: 306
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Average Rating: 3.5
  • Ratings Count: 5.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. Why Sinatra Matters

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In celebration of Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday, journalist and acclaimed author Pete Hamill invites readers into a soulful exploration of Sinatra's life and legacy. As a close friend, Hamill delves into the heart of Sinatra, examining his impact on American culture and the generation that revered him. From Prohibition to the Great Depression and beyond, Sinatra's artistry and life story reveal the essence of urban loneliness and provide a sense of tradition and pride for a generation uniquely shaped by his music.

This beautifully crafted biography, complete with a new introduction by the author, offers a captivating and enduring portrait of a truly remarkable American icon.

  • Authors: Pete Hamill
  • Publisher: Back Bay Books
  • Published Date: February 28, 2009
  • Page Count: 140
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. Medium Raw

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A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook

Anthony Bourdain invites readers back into the fiery world of the culinary industry with his highly anticipated sequel to the global bestseller, Kitchen Confidential. In Medium Raw, Bourdain takes you on a blood-soaked journey through the dark underbelly of the restaurant business, revealing the raw and unvarnished truths that only those who have worked in the trenches can truly know.

From the sizzling kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants to the dimly lit backrooms of seedy dive bars, Bourdain doesn't hold anything back as he shares his no-holds-barred insights on the people, the food, and the relentless pursuit of perfection that fuels the culinary world. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious carnivore, Medium Raw is an unapologetic love letter to the art of cooking and the passionate personalities who make it all possible.

This 306-page tome is a testament to the thrills and heartaches of the culinary life, and proves that Bourdain is still the unrivaled master of storytelling when it comes to the world of food and those who dare to cook. So buckle up, dear readers, because it's time to get Medium Raw!

  • Authors: Anthony Bourdain
  • Publisher: A&C Black
  • Published Date: June 07, 2010
  • Page Count: 306
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. A Cook's Tour

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In Search of the Perfect Meal

'A Cook's Tour' is an enthralling culinary travelogue by Anthony Bourdain, the bestselling author of 'Kitchen Confidential'. Brimming with life, humor, and insatiable curiosity, Bourdain embarks on a mission to find the perfect meal across the globe.

From the pulsating streets of Saigon to the rugged landscapes of the Cambodian wilderness, his journey includes dining with mobsters in Russia, witnessing a pig slaughter in northern Portugal, and exploring the secret society of the Basque All Male Gastronomique Society in Saint Sebastian. Through it all, Bourdain's unique blend of machismo and wit captures the essence of each adventure, inviting readers to embark on a culinary tour they won't forget.

Pack your taste buds for a gastronomic trip like no other with 'A Cook's Tour'!

  • Authors: Anthony Bourdain
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
  • Published Date: September 17, 2010
  • Page Count: 292
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Cooking
  • Average Rating: 4.0
  • Ratings Count: 2.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. I Hear She's a Real Bitch

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I Hear She's a Real Bitch by Jen Agg illuminates the passionate world of the restaurant industry through an unapologetic and humorous memoir. Known for her thriving Toronto establishments, including The Black Hoof, Cocktail Bar, Rhum Corner, and Agrikol, Agg shares her unfiltered thoughts and experiences.

Her forthright observations captivate readers, offering a wry and intimate look into her life and the culinary scene. This must-read book serves as a testament to the grit, creativity, and brilliance of Agg herself - an unforgettable force in both the restaurant and writing worlds.

  • Authors: Jen Agg
  • Publisher: Doubleday Canada
  • Published Date: May 16, 2017
  • Page Count: 288
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. The End of Men

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A Novel

The End of Men is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of modern womanhood. This Refinery29 Best Book of the Year tells the stories of four unstoppable women, each facing the challenges of parenthood, love, and career.

Follow Isabel as she navigates the ups and downs of founding a pregnancy lingerie company, Beth as she battles to preserve her marriage while longing for her ex-lover, Anna as she plots to reunite a husband with his former spouse, and Maggie as she strives to maintain balance between her professional and family life. Through their stories, Karen Rinaldi shatters societal norms and empowers her characters to break free from the confines we impose on ourselves.

Funny, raw, and remarkably insightful, The End of Men is a must-read for anyone looking to delve deeper into the multifaceted realities of female existence. Acclaimed director Rebecca Miller's film adaptation, starring Julianne Moore, Ethan Hawke, and Greta Gerwig, was inspired by this unforgettable novel, further solidifying Rinaldi's mastery of the human experience.

  • Authors: Karen Rinaldi
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published Date: June 20, 2017
  • Page Count: 352
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. Anthony Bourdain's Hungry Ghosts

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In Hungry Ghosts, renowned authors Anthony Bourdain and Joel Rose unite once more to deliver a terrifying and tantalizing horror anthology. The book, published by Dark Horse Comics in October 2018, combines Bourdain's culinary expertise with Rose's storytelling prowess to create a truly unforgettable reading experience. Featuring real-life recipes from Bourdain himself, Hungry Ghosts caters to the food enthusiast and horror aficionado alike.

Set on a fateful night, a wealthy Russian oligarch gathers an elite circle of international chefs, daring them to play a deadly, ancient Japanese game called 100 Candles. This gruesome challenge requires each participant to tell a terrifying tale of ghosts, demons, and otherworldly creatures. Each story is inspired by classic Japanese yokai, yorei, and obake folklore, all threaded together with the ominous, yet intriguing, theme of food.

With contributions from an array of talented artists and colorists, Hungry Ghosts boasts captivating visuals that perfectly complement the chilling narratives. The book also features a striking cover by renowned artist Paul Pope, rounding out this culinary-infused, horror-filled graphic novel.

For readers who crave a thrilling mix of food, folklore, and fear, Hungry Ghosts is the perfect choice. This gripping anthology, crafted by the minds of Bourdain and Rose, promises to satisfy your hunger for suspense, while keeping you on the edge of your seat.

  • Authors: Anthony Bourdain, Joel Rose
  • Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
  • Published Date: October 02, 2018
  • Page Count: 132
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Comics & Graphic Novels
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. Bourdain

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The Definitive Oral Biography

Experience an intimate journey into the life of Anthony Bourdain through the stories and recollections of those who knew him best. "Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography" by Laurie Woolever is the first of its kind, offering readers a remarkable and full perspective of Bourdain's life and work.

From his early years in New York to the genesis of his groundbreaking memoir "Kitchen Confidential, " follow Bourdain's path to becoming a renowned culinary and television personality. This book delves deep into Tony's motivations, his ambvalience, vulnerability, blind spots, and brilliance - all conveyed through memories and anecdotes from friends, family, and colleagues, including notable figures like Eric Ripert, José Andrés, Nigella Lawson, and W. Kamau Bell.

Featuring a treasure trove of photos from Tony's life and spanning over 460 pages, "Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography" stands as a testament to the extraordinary man who touched the lives and hearts of people around the world. Dive into this unparalleled and deeply intimate exploration of Bourdain's impact, legacy, and the many sides of his life that made him inimitable.

  • Authors: Laurie Woolever
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published Date: September 28, 2021
  • Page Count: 464
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
  • Language: en

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