The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein is a vibrant tapestry of personal anecdotes, cultural observations, and memorable encounters in early 20th-century Paris. The narrative, though presented through the lens of Toklas, is a significant reflection of Stein's life and artistic milieu. Each chapter unfolds distinct episodes, shedding light on the personalities and events that sculpted their intertwined lives.

The Beginnings: Pre-Paris Days

The book opens with a brief chapter, setting the stage for the reader by introducing Alice B. Toklas herself. She reflects on her life-changing experiences post the San Francisco earthquake, especially her pivotal meeting with Gertrude Stein. Toklas remarks on having known only three geniuses in her lifetime, specifically naming Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso, and Alfred Whitehead, thus hinting at the intellectual and artistic journey she embarked upon.

Settling into Parisian Life

Upon arriving in Paris, Toklas describes the creative whirlwind surrounding Stein as her book Three Lives nears publication, while she immerses herself in writing The Americans. The house at 27, rue de Fleurus becomes a bustling hub for artistic salons, teeming with the collected artworks of Stein and her brother Leo. Toklas provides vivid sketches of the personalities frequenting their home, including Helene, the maid; Alfy Maurer, a former resident; and esteemed artists like Picasso, his companion Fernande, and Henri Matisse. This eclectic gathering spot, though open to all who know someone in their circle, stands out as a cultural epicenter filled with life and art.

Artistic Alliances: 1903–1907

Toklas delves into the early years of Stein’s artistic encounters and her burgeoning collection of works by Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. The Steins' acquisitions from gallery owner Ambrose Vollard reveal their foresight in recognizing Cézanne’s genius. Matisse, described as both impoverished and melancholic, finds his patron in Stein. The narrative also captures the moment Stein first encounters Picasso’s art and their subsequent friendship, marked by mutual influence. Through the recounting of such friendships and interactions, the chapter paints Stein as a pivotal figure in modern art's evolution, presenting it with a charm that might have been lost in a more self-centered narrative.

Origins: The Early Life of Gertrude Stein

This chapter rewinds to explore Stein’s formative years prior to her Parisian journey, diverging from a linear timeline. Toklas shares snippets from Stein’s upbringing, her literary inclinations towards Wordsworth and Scott, and familial travels across Europe, eventually returning to Oakland. Stein's brief academic stint at Radcliffe and then Johns Hopkins Medical School highlights her impatience with conventional education. Her political and artistic perspectives are touched upon, notably her indifference towards the women’s movement and her literary admiration for Anthony Trollope.

Art and Ideas: 1907–1914

Toklas provides a lively discussion of the luminaries in their circle during this period, spotlighting the spouses of celebrated artists and writers like Picasso, and introducing figures such as Harry Gibb, Marcel Duchamp, and others. She conveys Stein’s earnest conversations on Cubism, asserting its Spanish roots with Picasso and Juan Gris at its helm. Toklas notes how Stein’s writing mirrors cubist techniques, evident in her play with perspectives and syntax. Amidst the artistic discourse, she narrates social gatherings, like a raucous dinner for Henri Rosseau, and recounts significant events, such as Picasso’s personal upheavals and the rise of Futurism, which she dismisses with dry humor.

The War and Its Impact

The onset of war finds Toklas and Stein in London, immersed in disbelief at the unfolding events. Their stay with Alfred North Whitehead, one of Toklas’s revered geniuses, highlights their intellectual exchanges. As they navigate wartime challenges, including having their home requisitioned, they contribute to the war effort through the...