Is As They Were a cookbook?

No. It is a collection of autobiographical essays about Fisher's life, family, food and travels. There are no recipes to cook from.

How long is the book?

The paperback runs 272 pages. An audiobook edition runs 8 hours and 44 minutes.

Which edition is this?

This is the first Vintage paperback edition, published by Random House USA Inc in New York.

Is it a good first M.F.K. Fisher book?

It works as an introduction because the essays are short and personal. Readers who want her famous food writing may prefer to start with The Gastronomical Me.

What is the best price?

$12.96 at Walmart as of November 7, 2026. Two stores list it new, so compare before buying.

Where is the As They Were cheapest?

At Walmart, for $12.96, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the As They Were?

2 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Target.

Browse

M.F.K. Fisher

As They Were

Best price now

$12.96at WalmartObserved at 2:25 PM

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

M.F.K. Fisher

As They Were

Best price now

$12.96at WalmartObserved at 2:25 PM

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Our take on the As They Were

As They Were is a 272-page collection of autobiographical essays by M.F.K. Fisher, the food writer known for treating eating as a way of life. The pieces move through her life, family, food and travels, and this is the first Vintage paperback edition. The best new price is $12.96 at Walmart as of November 7, 2026, with two stores listing it new.

Best forReaders of food writing and memoirFans of M.F.K. Fisher's essaysGifts for someone who likes culinary historyShort-form reading in bed or on a commute

Pros

Fisher's prose is precise and personal
Essays are short and easy to dip into
Covers food, family and travel in one volume
272 pages at a low paperback price

Cons

Essays assume some interest in Fisher's life
Not a cookbook: no recipes to follow
Older material that may feel dated to some readers

As They Were prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stock
$12.96+ $6.99 shippingObserved at 2:25 PM
Visit Walmart
TargetNew
In stock
$14.40+ $5.99 shippingObserved at 2:25 PM
Visit Target

As They Were price history

Lowest price we've seen: $12.96 on Nov 7 at Walmart. Tracked across 2 stores since Nov 7.

About the As They Were

This marvelous collection of autobiographical essays by the celebrated, much-adored M.F.K. Fisher covers her life, family, food, and adventures.

Specifications

Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
Release Date: 09-04-09
Language: English
Binding Type: Paperback
Book Format Type: Paperback
Main Genre: Literary Collections
Book Title: As They Were
Book Language: English
Book Publisher: Random House USA Inc
Book Weight: 0.48 lbs (0.22 kg)
Age Range: ADULT
Target Audience: ADULT
Original Language: English
Translated Language: No
Publisher: Random House USA Inc
Page Count: 272
Cover Type: Hardcover
Edition Publisher: Vintage
Edition Number: 1st
Edition Name: 1st Vintage Book

Questions and answers

Is As They Were a cookbook?: No. It is a collection of autobiographical essays about Fisher's life, family, food and travels. There are no recipes to cook from.
How long is the book?: The paperback runs 272 pages. An audiobook edition runs 8 hours and 44 minutes.
Which edition is this?: This is the first Vintage paperback edition, published by Random House USA Inc in New York.
Is it a good first M.F.K. Fisher book?: It works as an introduction because the essays are short and personal. Readers who want her famous food writing may prefer to start with The Gastronomical Me.
What is the best price?: $12.96 at Walmart as of November 7, 2026. Two stores list it new, so compare before buying.
Where is the As They Were cheapest?: At Walmart, for $12.96, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the As They Were?: 2 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Target.