Description
Book SynopsisAmerica’s Collectible Cookbooks is a wonderful concoction of gossipy morsels and serious reflection about cookbooks and cookbook authors. Although the names Fannie Merritt Farmer, Eliza Leslie, Sarah Josepha Hale, and Irma Rombauer are familiar to generations of American books, few know how really extraordinary these women were.
Trade Review“America’s Collectible Cookbooks…is a remarkable olio of gossipy tidbits, history, and an up-front look at the cooks who so greatly influenced our lives. Reading the recipes from early-day cookbooks makes one marvel at the women who became such expert cooks using such limited instructions…A fascinating read.” * Las Vegas Sun *
“Scrupulously researched but eminently readable.” * Contemporary Collectibles *
“This book provides a valuable reference for tracking historical food preparation and home care information and learning about cultural contributors to our food heritage and kitchen management. It encourages local cookbook projects and collectors, libraries, and historical museums to preserve local treasures and collectibles…Encourages the enjoyment and study of food habits, customs, social and economic history, and scientific and technological progress.” * Journal of the American Dietetic Association *
“This is an important contribution to our understanding of a key element of American popular culture that both academic and public libraries, whatever their policy on collecting actual cookbooks may be, should acquire for the light it sheds on several aspects of our cultural and social history.” * Popular Culture in Libraries *
“America’s Collectible Cookbooks should be required reading for all cookbook collectors and for every woman or man who’s ever imagined the story behind that butter-smeared copy of ‘Joy of Cooking.’ Cooks will enjoy the dozens of period menus and recipes included in each section (side effect of this book: It makes you hungry).” * Syndicated Columnist, “Collectibles” *
