It is not a haphazard collection, gathered at random from doubtful sources, but has been made up, sparing neither labor nor expense, from the choicest bits of the best experiences, of many who have long traveled the daily round of household duties, not reluctantly like drudges but lovingly with heart and hand fully enlisted in the work. Annie R. Gregory

{HISTORY}

Oh there is so much to share about this lovely old book!

Back in the 20th century, when traveling salesmen were knocking at doors right and left selling vacuum cleaners, and encyclopedias, and cleaning products, and h ahost of other household items, there was also a group of individuals - mainly saleswomen - who were  selling cookbooks just like this one.

Published in 1906, The Blue Ribbon Cook Book by Annie R. Gregory is a compilation of recipes collected by over a thousand women across the country. This collection features their tried and true favorites including kitchen tips ad techniques, information on etiquette, housekeeping, nutrition, and party planning. An all-in-one-cookbook, this volume, touted as three books in one, was the resource women needed to keep their house in order and their family well-fed. 

Costing $2.00 in 1906 (an equivalent of $66.00) today, The Blue Ribbon Cook Book was the Edwardian home cook's guide to better living. Fascinating in scope and detail, this cookbook was published under several different names including Woman's Favorite Cook Book and The New Dixie Receipt Book. It was one of the first cookbooks of its kind to promote the paid subscription model, which was attractive for publishers since they could count on a definite number of sales before the cookbooks went to print. So besides being a book packed full of Edwardian recipes, it is also a study of early publishing, salesmanship, women's history, and a glimpse into the domestic sciences of early 20th-century life. 

On a cooking front, this book is loaded with interesting recipes for all level of cook and household size.  At first glance, you'll notice it is in well-loved shape with a shabby cover and many cooking spots and splatters, especially in the baking sections. When it came to the shop, this whole book was on its last legs. The cover was barely hanging on, taped together with shipping tape, the spine and some interior pages were loose, and the coverboards were dingy with age and use. In an effort to keep this book together for another 117 years, we rebound it, securing the spine, cover and all loose pages and cleaned the cover using archival methods and materials. It definitely won't win the brand-new beauty contest but its contents are far too valuable and this cookbook too rare to let it be cast aside. It tells the story of how, what and why we cooked as country in the early 20th century. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Published in 1906 by Monarch Book Company, Chicago

- 578 pages

- Illustrated throughout 

 - Fascinating on all fronts, this book contains recipes for all meals of the day and age groups, from infants to seniors.

- There are handwritten notes in some parts and the name of the owner on the front endpaper.

- Suggestions and tips are included for cleaning, fashion, beauty and home care

- Interesting recipes include Hot Water Sponge Cake, Delicious Apple Dumplings, Bohemian Ice Cream, Flannel Cakes, Cornish Pastry, Crab Coquettes, Picnic Cake, Iceland Moss Jelly for Invalids, Piccalilli, Peanut Beans, Dandelion Salad

- Also includes a wide variety of how-tos... how to cook pig's cheek, how to make herb powder for soups, how to pickle walnuts, how to make oatmeal coffee (for patients with cholera morbus), how to cure the hiccoughs, how to obtain a handsome form, harmonious colors for red hair, how to make the hair grow, how to make a handsome throat, how to thicken the eyebrows, how to make sweeping caps, how to paper walls, the varied uses of lemons, and so many more! 

{CONDITION}

In well-loved condition, this book looks like it has been around the kitchen for 100+ years, which we just adore. There are many cooking spots and stains throughout but none of which detract from the ability to read the recipes. This cookbook has a shabby front and back cover, and frayed edges on some pages.  It has been completely repaired so taht all pages are now intact and the spine is tight with secure cover boards. Please read more about its condition details and repairs in the history section and please see all photos. 

{SIZE}

Measures 9.5" inches (length) x 7" inches (width) x 2" inches (thickness) and weighs 3.4lbs

{FOR THE LOVE OF ANTIQUE COOKBOOKS}

Find more antique recipe books here.