Let your imagination take hold... (from the Introduction)

{HISTORY}

Written by American journalist, newspaper columnist, and author Nancy Hyden Woodward and published in 1969, The Mariner's Cookbook tackles the challenges and rewards of preparing, cooking, serving, and entertaining while at sea.

Born out of practicality and the knowledge that most galleys offer slim workspace, minimal storage, and rudimentary equipment, Nancy put together a list of recipes that could either be prepared ahead of the trip in a kitchen on land or put together on the boat using a few trusty reliables like canned foods, fresh herbs, and a variety of spices. 

Galley designs have come a long way since the 1960s, and what Nancy considered typical in the way of a midcentury boat's cooking space, it was more basic than what is included in a new boat today. But for vintage vessel owners and anyone working within small confines on a boat, many principles highlighted in Nancy’s book still apply. There is still always garbage to contend with, pantry staples to store, pot/pan/stovetop and oven sizes to consider, menus to plan, and the most timely of all considerations  - the ultimate shelf life, once underway, of fresh foods like fish, fruit, and vegetables.

Considering that some boaters may not be floating down the waterway on a sailboat or a yacht but instead a canoe or a kayak, Nancy addresses those water enthusiasts too with a specific chapter on what to pack, how to menu plan, and how to handle unfavorable circumstances that might affect food prep and meal times. 

Interesting recipes include Rhode Island Clam Chowder, Big Wood River Salad, Cruising Lobster Lunch, Spanish Potatoes, Nantucket Noodles with Nutmeg, Western Banks Cubed Steak, Filet of Sole with Grapes, Seafood Newburg, Long Island Shrimp Dish, Cold Chicken Tarragon, and Peach Refrigerator Cookies.

A fun look at what was on the menu while enjoying some mid-20th-century time on the water, this book is also beautifully illustrated throughout with sketches by American artist Ronald Jay Stein (1930-2000), a nephew of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner.  Studying art at The Cooper Union, Yale University, and Rutgers University, in addition to assisting his aunt Lee Krasner with her art, Ronald exhibited his paintings around the world. Many of his pieces are held in both public and private collections, including the Guggenheim and the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum. 

Whether you are a nautical art lover or a galley chef, the captain of a luxury yacht or the proud owner of a vintage sailing vessel, The Mariner's Cookbook brings a little bit of vintage nautical charm to the galley area and the interior decor. 

Published in both paperback and hardcover formats, this cookbook followed a series of newspaper articles entitled Kitchen at Sea that Nancy wrote for The Daily Home News in 1968. 

Photo of Nancy Hyden Woodward (first on left) courtesy of The East Hampton Star. Photo of Ronald Jay Stein courtesy of Newsday, July 20, 1988. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Published in 1968 by Castle Books
• Hardcover format
• Contains 128 pages, including detailed index
• Beautifully illustrated throughout by Ronald Jay Stein
• Contains original dust jacket

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition, this cookbook is clean and bright throughout with no cooking spots, stains, or notations. There is a small rip in the bottom edge of the dust jacket. The spine is tight, and all pages are intact. 

{SIZE}

Measures 8.25" inches (length) x 5.75" inches (width) and weighs 9 oz