Julia Child’s classic 752-page culinary bible, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” was released today as an e-book. A necessity for professional and home cooks alike, Julia Child’s cookbook has been passed down from one generation to the next.  (It’s a heavy book, I might add.)

Now, generations of parents and children will have a much lighter cookbook to share.  iPad users can own an authentic version of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” The distinct two-column format in the original made it difficult to transfer to the e-book, and the publisher, Knopf, had the cookbook typed by hand. The tiny illustrations in the book were individually scanned to make the e-book more like the original.

One of the great new features of the iPad version is that it allows readers to click on a word to get the definition.  (A great way for beginners to learn a French cooking term.)  The book is available on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch for $19.99.

As the food world becomes more and more reliant on digital media, it’s nice to know that some of the classics will continue to remain relevant and present in our lives. The classic French recipes we’ve grown to love will still remain in our homes with our families, and on our iPads.