This fascinating memoir by global grilling authority Steven Raichlen reveals how a kid from Baltimore—armed with a degree in French literature—launched a barbecue revolution worldwide.

Known for his popular PBS TV shows and internationally bestselling books, Raichlen is the man who re-invented modern barbecue—a passion that led him to 75 countries on 6 continents, earning 5 James Beard Awards and an induction into the Barbecue Hall of Fame. Long before that, though, he was a French literature scholar, medievalist, translator at a renowned Parisian cooking school, restaurant critic, wine and spirits writer, and novelist.

With candor and passion, Man on Fire shares the formative moments that shaped Raichlen’s career, including the early struggles as a freelance writer, his breakout success with The Barbecue! Bible, and how an awkward first appearance on The Today Show kicked off a television career spanning more than two decades in English, French, and Italian. From friendship with Julia Child to his first multi-million copy bestseller, from a private grill session with Howard Stern to a battle with the Iron Chef in Tokyo, Raichlen reveals how he overcame childhood tragedy to become “America’s Master Griller” (Esquire.)

Readers will gain insider insights into live fire cooking (Raichlen is the founder of Barbecue University®), and the life lessons that helped shape his extraordinary career—plus 25 recipes including authentic Baltimore crab cakes, medieval mulled wine, mango-spacho from his adopted Miami, maple sriracha chicken wings from Quebec, and the barbecued ribs that beat the Iron Chef in Tokyo.

This book is a love song to the evolution of food and its impact on community and culture, and it will make you very hungry. Man on Fire is the perfect book not just for foodies and barbecue buffs, but travelers, history lovers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to be their own boss.