MRS. HALE´S - NEW COOK BOOK - MRS. SARAH J. HALE - T.B. PETERSON AND BROTHERS. HARDBACK 1857

The book has as been rebound, 516 pages, + 2. Mrs. Hales New Cook Book. A practical system for Private Families in Town and Country. With directions for; carving, fan arranging the table for parties, etc. Also preparations of food for invalids and for children. Illustrated with engravings. Philadelphia: T.B. Peterson and Brothers. Please look at the photos for the description.

Mrs. Hale's New Cook Book by Sarah J. Hale, published in 1857 by T.B. Peterson and Brothers. Sarah Josepha Hale was a prominent 19th-century American author, editor, and advocate for women's rights. She is best known for writing the nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb" but was also influential in promoting the idea of Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

Her cookbook, Mrs. Hale's New Cook Book, is one of the many works she published aimed at improving domestic life, especially for women. The book would have been a guide to managing household meals during a time when cooking was largely done by hand, with detailed instructions on various methods and ingredients available during the mid-19th century.

Some features of the book may include:

• Traditional American Recipes: The book would likely contain a variety of dishes popular in the 1850s, many of which would reflect the regional and cultural diversity of the time.
• Preservation Methods: Given the era, it likely includes tips on preserving food, such as canning, pickling, and drying, which were essential before refrigeration.
• Practical Household Advice: Besides just recipes, Hale’s work often gave women advice on managing their homes, including how to organize meals for large families or guests.

Cookbooks from that period can offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of American cuisine and domestic life. They also often include charming cultural details about how food was prepared and presented in the 19th century.