Prosper Montagné

(November 14, 1865 - April 22, 1948)

One of the great French chefs of all time, he is primarily remembered as the creator of Larousse Gastronomique (1938), a comprehensive encyclopedia of French gastronomy. 

Montagné was the son of a hotelier, and worked in many of the most famous kitchens in Europe. He organized the kitchens of the Allied armies during World War I, and with others such as Phileas Gilbert and Escoffier, helped reform French cuisine - simplifying food decorations, organizing the kitchen more efficiently, shortening menus, etc.