What are some established western cook books from 1920 - 1960? [closed]

What are some established western cook books from 1920 - 1960? [closed] - Top view closeup of ripe organic yellow peeled onion cut into rings and placed on white marble tabletop

I'm looking for a book that would, preferably, have been written by a renowned chef; or a book that was a standard or staple for, say, French cuisine.

I'm looking to add to my bookshelf of classic cultural texts, and I cook very often, and such a book would be very useful to me.

The book can be from any culture, but one that has a translation in English.



Best Answer

Irma Rombauer published the iconic The Joy of Cooking in 1931. It’s more of a textbook than just a collection of recipes, with whole chapters dedicated to the ingredients. And elaborate kitchen techniques are explained in full. You can pretty much find any ingredient or recipe for any dish, I even think there’s a recipe for haggis! And subsequent editions of the book (the last edition was published in 2006 for the tome’s 75th anniversary) expanded the content greatly to include many ethnic cuisines. It’s a real treasure!

Julia Child published the Bible for French cuisine Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 1961. It is definitely not for the timid cook. But even if you never plan to make bouillabaisse or coq au vin, the book is a delightful read. Julia’s inimitable character shines through on every page.




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What was the name of the first western cookbook?

The medieval cookbook known as Apicius was written in the year 830 in Fulda, Germany, and includes recipes dating back to the 4th century. Today, you can find it in the New York Academy of Medicine's Rare Book Library.

Are old cook books worth anything?

Even the most widely used cookbooks from the 1950s and 1960s can command high prices. Good condition copies of Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book are highly prized (prices range from $10 to $450 on AbeBooks).

What cook books are worth money?

Top 10 Most Collectible Cookbooks
  • Betty Crocker's Cookbook. ...
  • Betty Crocker's New Picture Cookbook. ...
  • Treasury of Great Recipes. ...
  • Joy of Cooking. ...
  • Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child. ...
  • The White House Cook Book. ...
  • Woman's Home Companion Cook Book. ...
  • Weight Watchers Slow Good Super Slow-Cooker Cookbook.


  • What is the first known cookbook?

    The first recorded cookbook that is still in print today is Of Culinary Matters (originally, De Re Coquinaria), written by Apicius, in fourth century AD Rome. It contains more than 500 recipes, including many with Indian spices.



    Vintage Cookbooks from the 1920s to the 1960s




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