Originally Posted by ElkeNorEast

I've got books by pretty much everyone, including some that most folks probably don't have (Helen Corbitt, anyone except TMOliver???) and a first edition "Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management"

I've met Gordon Ramsay (he was charming), Jamie Oliver and Gennaro Contaldo (on a BA flight from LGW to Pisa, with Jason Flemyng for some reason), and Wolfgang Puck (short and sweet).

If you're starting a cookbook collection, I would recommend getting a copy of Larousse Gastronomique and some Julia Child books.