This is a rare and highly collectable Edwardian copy of Mrs Isabella Beeton's (1836 - 1865) 'Everyday Cookery & Housekeeping Book' published by Ward Lock & Co.
Although it was first published in the latter years of the 19th century this is a 'new edition' which means it dates to the turn of the 20th century and thanks to Ivy M Brough who very kindly and neatly wrote her name inside we know for sure that it dates to 1903 as she added the date as well!
It was 'revised and greatly enlarged' in this form.
It's in excellent order for it's age...understandably the cover has born the brunt of the passing years. Some scuffing to corners, edges and top and bottom of spine. There is also a split on the left side of the spine {see image below} but this is to the outer cover only and does not go through the board to the book inside. Inside is in super condition. The first and last couple of endpapers are a tad loose and the beautiful full colour fold out dinner table illustration has been taped at the back some time ago.
The pages are generally clean and bright with only the odd spot of minor foxing here and there.
In short it couldn't be described as 'mint' but is certainly on the better side of good.
Chapters are:
Practical housekeeping; Choosing and buying provisions; Housekeeping accounts; Every day meals; Kitchen department; Cooking utensils; Science of cookery; Cookery, necessity for learning; How to truss poultry; Cooks timetable; Table of relative value of fish of all kinds, beef, mutton, lamb, pork and veal by different modes of cooking; The dictionary of cookery; A to Z; Household work.
It's exceptionally comprehensive with such things as cookery methods, trussing, carving, folding serviettes, working in the kitchen, and utensils covered in depth. There are literally hundreds of recipes and menus.
There are eight coloured plates and twenty-six full page illustrations plus some adverts front and back.
There is so much here for the enthusiastic cook of today as well as it being a fascinating addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in the history of food and cookery.
568 pages.
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