Esther Levy. Jewish Cookery Book, on Principles of Economy Adapted for Jewish Housekeepers

AUCTION 43 | Thursday, April 02nd, 2009 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Graphic & Ceremonial Art

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Lot 92
(COOK BOOK)

Esther Levy. Jewish Cookery Book, on Principles of Economy Adapted for Jewish Housekeepers

FIRST EDITION. Errata slip bound before title pp. 200 + pp. 10 (ads). Previous owners’ signatures, otherwise a fine copy. Original boards, spine titled in gilt. 8vo Singerman 2286; Bitting 286; not in Sabin

Philadelphia: W.S. Turner 1871

Est: $10,000 - $12,000
PRICE REALIZED $18,000
THE FIRST JEWISH COOKBOOK PUBLISHED IN AMERICA. A publication affirming the American Jewess’ status within society. Esther Levy sought to elevate American home cooking with social polish while remaining true to the tenets of the Jewish religion, or as the Authoress wrote: "Without violating the precepts of our religion, a table can be spread, which will satisfy the appetites of the most fastidious." Includes household hints, diets for invalids and medicinal recipes, as well as a Jewish Calendar and hours for the commencement of the Sabbath See B. Kirshenblatt-Gimblett, "The Kosher Gourmet in the Nineteenth-Century Kitchen, in: The Journal of Gastronomy 2, no. 4 (1986-87): pp. 51-89