Cookbooks Worth Collecting [Paperback]

Mary Barile (Author), Mary Barele (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1993

This is a practical reference guide to the history and lore of notable cookery books, with complete bibliographic listings and up-to-date values. Over 1000 listing of cookery books, from the simple to the more sophisticated, are included, with each listing containing bibliographic information and current values. The book offers advice on starting a collection, gathering information and locating mail-order sources.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In this outstanding guide to the world of cookbooks for the avid collector, Barile presents an in-depth history of cookbooks from early Rome to modern America. She points out notable titles from each era and the social significance to be discovered in cookbooks. Barile also discusses the impact of modern-day appliances and convenience foods upon cookbooks. Stressing what is currently collectible and what might be in the future, she meticulously describes various categories of cookbooks: fundraising, historical, minority and ethnic, appliance, restaurant/hotel, and home canning and freezing. Barile does not ignore ephemera in her collecting strategy, stating that it is quite often overlooked and undervalued by dealers and collectors alike. Included in her text are a price guide, cookbook time line, conversion tables for old measurements, source list, and a directory of American cookbook libraries. An invaluable resource for culinary bibliophiles.
- Michael A. Lutes, Univ. of Notre Dame Lib., Ind.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Wallace-Homestead Book Co (October 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870696866
• ISBN-13: 978-0870696862
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #627,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Kitchenware

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST for New Cookbook Collectors!, August 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Cookbooks Worth Collecting (Paperback)

As a new collector of cookbooks, this is one of my favorite reference books. The historical information found in this book is fascinating and helps the reader understand the significance of cookbooks as a window to the past. It also helps explain why some are valued as highly as they are. The 1993 copyright did not detract, since values tend to be relative, and this book gives a good feel for evaluating a collection. Unlike an earlier reviewer, I did not find the shortened listings in the last section of the book to be a problem. I was able to find a surprising number of cookbooks I've acquired in this book that are not in the 3 others I have. Also, cookbooks are listed alphabetically by title, the absolute simplest reference arrangement I've found...no jumping around in categories is required. I'd highly recommend this one!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great background on cookbooks and collecting them, January 6, 2005

By 

Bill B (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cookbooks Worth Collecting (Paperback)

A very informative book on the backgound of cookbooks and collecting them. It is not meant to be a price list. Price lists are only valid until they are published, then the prices have already changed, so this book has a leg up on price lists.

If you don't care about the background of cookbooks and collecting and are only looking for lists or advice as to which to buy, don't buy this book.

If you want to learn more about the hobby, buy this book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Valuable Reference Guide, August 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Cookbooks Worth Collecting (Paperback)

Barile's book is one of my 3 favorites on this subject. Her coverage of historical significance is excellent, and her listing of specific books with price guidelines is simple to use and surprisingly thorough for the space devoted to them. I have been able to find some of my cookbooks and recipe leaflets in this book that are not listed elsewhere, so I recommend it a sound investment for the new collector. My copy is already dog-eared from daily use.