About Waverley Root
Lived 1903 – 1982 (aged 79). Waverley Root was an American journalist and writer.
Waverley Lewis Root (April 15, 1903 – October 31, 1982) was an American journalist and writer. Root became known as an authority on food with the publication of The Food of France in 1958, "which has never been out of print."
Early life and education Root was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts. He obtained his degree from Tufts College in Medford, Mass.
Career Root was a news correspondent for over 30 years; in 1969 he retired from daily journalism.
His books and writings focused on food, and yet mingled culinary details of the regions he wrote about with historic facts, and literary references.
After graduating from college, he moved to Greenwich Village, New York City.
Writings Waverley Root became widely known for his writings on food, including: The Food of France (1958) The Cooking of Italy (1968) Paris Dining Guide (1969) The Food of Italy (1971) Eating in America: A History (1976) – with Richard De Rochemont Food, an Authoritative and Visual History and Dictionary of the Foods of the World (1980)
Among his other books are the following: The Truth about Wagner (1928) The Secret History of the War (1946) Winter Sports in Europe (1956) The Paris Edition: The Autobiography of Waverley Root, 1927-1934 (1987)
Family At the time of his death, Root was married to Colette Root. He had a daughter, from his third marriage.
Death Root died in his sleep at the age of 79. The cause of his death was a pulmonary ailment.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Waverley Root's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Waverley Root's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Waverley Root?
American journalist (1903–1982)
When was Waverley Root born?
Waverley Root was born on 15 April 1903 in Rhode Island, Providence.
When did Waverley Root die?
Waverley Root died on 31 October 1982 in Paris.
What was Waverley Root's occupation?
Waverley Root was a journalist and writer.
What nationality was Waverley Root?
Waverley Root was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Waverley Root. https://biography.guide/waverley-root/
MLA: "Waverley Root." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/waverley-root/.
Chicago: "Waverley Root." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/waverley-root/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:14 UTC