In the 1960s a tall, gangly woman with a preposterous voice and joy of life revolutionized the art of cooking for Americans. Julia Child became an icon of gourmet cooking and, using her remarkable energy, humor, and skill, changed the way Americans thought about eating. The First Lady of Food, as she has been called by the Food Network, convinced the nation that anyone could create gourmet meals as she charmed the public with her passion for good food.r