Fannie Farmer was an influential American cook and author, born in 1857. She is best known for her cookbook, "The Boston Cooking-School Cookbook," first published in 1896. Farmer's work emphasized the importance of precise measurements in cooking, which helped to standardize recipes and make them more accessible to home cooks. In addition to her cookbook, Farmer played a significant role in the development of modern culinary education. She served as the director of the Boston Cooking School and was a pioneer in teaching nutrition and cooking techniques. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on American cooking and culinary practices.