U.S. History

A Covert Affair: Julia Child and Paul Child in the OSS

Jennet Conant

About the Program

Jennet Conant recounts Julia and Paul Child's career in the Office of Strategic Services during World War II.  The future cook book author and television personality began her service in 1942 as a file clerk for department head, William "Wild Bill" Donovan.  She was later stationed in India and China, where she met her husband, Paul and saw the beginning of the Communist revolution.  The author recalls the couple's many travels as part of the clandestine office as well as the interrogation of Paul Child on charges of Communist sympathies, an allegation he fought voraciously to clear.  Jennet Conant speaks at Barnes & Noble in New York City.

About the Authors

Jennet Conant

Jennet Conant is the author of Tuxedo Park, The Irregulars, and 109 East Palace.  Her writing has appeared in several publications, including Newsweek, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times


Buy the author's book from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

Program Information

A Covert Affair: Julia Child and Paul Child in the OSS

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Past Airings

  • Monday, May 30th at 11pm (ET)
  • Monday, May 30th at 11am (ET)
  • Monday, May 16th at 1am (ET)
  • Saturday, May 14th at 11pm (ET)
  • Saturday, May 7th at 8am (ET)
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