"Of all the cookbooks that I have written, this is certainly the most personal," begins legendary French chef Jacques Pepin in the introduction to his gorgeous new book, a mixture of memoir and greatest hits. Pepin is royalty in the culinary world, and that he has opened his home kitchen and shared his philosophy of cooking in this large, soulful work will be a cause of celebration for aspiring chefs.

Here are Pepin’s 100 favorites, the dishes he makes at home and that he has made famous throughout the world, revealed in a conversational style as if the master were leaning over your shoulder in the kitchen. This method, he says, will require the cook to read the entire recipe before starting and to visualize the result before tossing ingredients together. You won’t have trouble visualizing, thanks to photographer Tom Hopkins. His crisp close-ups of Pepin’s Gratin Dauphinois, Beef Stew in Red Wine Sauce, Smoked Trout and Scrambled Eggs, and Lobster Soufflé will inspire you to tackle these classic recipes.

Pepin seasons the book with essays on matters of the kitchen, from the overlooked importance of water in cooking to choosing wines, and has included numerous works of his own fine paintings amid the recipes. As a book, it is exquisitely produced, and as a new work by Pepin, it is a marvelous summation of the man’s life and work.

Order a copy signed by Jacques Pepin at TurnRow Book Co.