The Anatomy of a Recipe Book

Despite different authors and origins, recipe books all share characteristics that are fundamental to this genre. Below you will find a collection of pages sourced from three recipe books with each page spread illustrating key elements of these information objects.

The Books: A Key

  • English Recipe Book, 17th century - 18th century

    WELLCOME COLLECTION

    Reference: MS.8097

  • Cookery book of Jane Webb, compiled by several people [manuscript], ca. 1725-ca. 1750.

    FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY

    Reference: W.a.302

  • [Recipe book], 1718-1719.

    BEINECKE RARE BOOK & MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY

    Reference: Osborn c589