Binny and the Famous Men

Few community cookbooks have the star power of a retro gem that more than lives up to its name. Favourite Recipes of Famous Men features contributions from Hollywood legends, such as Rock Hudson, Roger Moore and Bob Hope, British comedic royalty in the form of Derek Nimmo and Sid James, and musical masters Dave Brubeck, James Last and Val Doonican.

This extraordinary cluster of international talent was made possible because of the book’s well-connected author and compiler, Binny Lum. The pioneering broadcaster and television personality, who died in 2012 at the age of 97, hosted the first daytime television program on Channel Nine in Melbourne, and enjoyed a radio career that spanned 50 years. Loved for her relaxed style and open friendly manner, no matter who she was interviewing, Binny managed to secure interviews with a host of famous people, including elusive stars such as Barbra Streisand and Vivien Leigh.