Title
The Virginia Housewife (First Cookbooks of America),Used
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The Virginia Housewife was the first cookbook ever published in America. Now published in a facsimile form of the original 1824 work, this ultimate howto cookbook was the most influential cookbook in nineteenthcentury America. Regarded by many critics as the finest cookbook to ever come out of the American kitchen, it was written by Mary Randolph. She and her husband, David Meade Randolph, made their home at Moldavia in Richmond and were celebrated for their displays of lavish hospitality. In 1802, Mr. Randolph was removed from his appointive office of United States Marshal by Thomas Jefferson, and the financial fortunes of the Randolphs never again prospered. By 1808, they had given up Moldavia, and Mrs. Randolph opened a boardinghouse. By all accounts, the food and accomdations were splendid. In late 1819, they moved to Washington, D.C., where Mrs. Randolph committed to paper her culinary experience for what was to be The Virginia Housewife. She was qualified not only by her cooking skill but also by her family and social milieu to record the cookery of those early days of Virginia. Besides numerous recipes and household tips on such things as curing bacon, making lavender water, scented soap, and starch, the book also includes historical notes by culinary historian Karen Hess, a glossary of cooking terms and phrases of the time, and a vegetable chart from Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book, 17661824.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is 'The Virginia House-wife' about? A: 'The Virginia House-wife' is the first cookbook published in America, originally released in 1824 by Mary Randolph. It includes numerous recipes and household tips reflective of early 19th-century Virginia cooking.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The Virginia House-wife'? A: The author is Mary Randolph, who was known for her culinary skills and her family's hospitality in Richmond, Virginia.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: This book is classified as 'Used Book in Good Condition' and may show signs of wear but remains readable and usable.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book has a hardcover binding, which provides durability and a classic presentation.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Virginia House-wife' contain? A: 'The Virginia House-wife' contains a total of 424 pages filled with recipes and historical notes.
- Q: When was this edition of the book published? A: This facsimile edition of 'The Virginia House-wife' was published on January 1, 1984.
- Q: What kind of recipes can I expect to find in this cookbook? A: The cookbook features a variety of recipes, including those for curing bacon, making lavender water, and preparing scented soap, along with historical context and cooking terms.
- Q: Is there any additional content in the book besides recipes? A: Yes, the book includes historical notes by culinary historian Karen Hess, a glossary of cooking terms, and a vegetable chart from Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book.
- Q: What historical significance does 'The Virginia House-wife' hold? A: 'The Virginia House-wife' is considered one of the most influential cookbooks in 19th-century America, reflecting the culinary practices and social customs of the time.
- Q: Can this book be a good gift for someone interested in cooking? A: Yes, 'The Virginia House-wife' is an excellent gift for anyone interested in culinary history or traditional American cooking.