Wanted: Old cookery books

Wanted: Old cookery books

The missus and I are on the lookout for old cookery books. The kind of books where the author had passed on long before the invention of the microwave oven.

We’re looking for books from the 1800′s and 1900′s, from anywhere in the world – all countries, all cultures.

Any hints or tips on where we might be able to unearth a cache of old recipies and knowledge, or, if anyone reads this and finds themselves in the position of being able to donate old recipe books that are just gathering dust, we promise to put them to good use!

Please note that we’re not interested in buying books, we’re on a mission to share the knowledge therein for the good of the many, we’re not collectors!

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60 Responses to Wanted: Old cookery books

  1. Ribbons says:

    The Peace Recipe Book an effort of a returned soldiers wife
    ELSIE G HARVEY 1930

    Fourth Edition (JULY 1938) Souvenir Book OF COOKERY RECIPES with the compliments of NEW ZEALAND DRY CLEANING CO> LTD
    2x Edmonds Sure to Rise COOKERY BOOKS
    Fifth Edition
    7TH Edition (reprint)

  2. Claire says:

    I’m interested in buying a Edmonds cookbook, is it still for sale?

    Ta

  3. Andrew Davis says:

    Are you still looking for cookbooks, and if so, what about handwritten recipes? I have been archive some old recipe books and when i’m done, i would like them to go to anyone who can use them, but more importantly, i want them to be preserved for their historical value (if any). please let me know.

  4. Rich says:

    Hi Andrew,
    We certainly are!
    I’ve emailed you a quick note…

  5. brian carr says:

    what are some valuable books i have alot 60s 70s

  6. Vivienne Fisher says:

    My husband recenty passed away and I’m having a clear out. I was hoping to sell some old cook books that contain some hand written recipes and household tips from late 1800 to 1970′s some of which were passed down from great-grand parents. I have 3 particular books:- 1.’Mrs Beeton’s cookery book’ printed in 1906. The binder is not good but the pages are fine. 2.’Mrs Beeton’s All About Cookery,New Edition’ printed in 1911. (lots of old household tips) 3.’Economical Cookery’and menus for every day in the year. No date but Forward written by Mrs D.D. Cottington Taylor, A Daily Express publication printed by Morrison & Gibb Ltd.
    Can you please advise me how I should go about selling these or are they only worth something to me for sentimental value?

  7. MARIE HEATON says:

    I HAVE AN OLD COOKBOOK CALLED THE JOY OF COOKING BY IRMA S. ROMBAUER COPYRIGHT, 1931,1936,1941,1942,1943,1946 BY THE BOBBS-MERRILL COMPANY. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY THE CORNWALL PRESS, CORNWALL, N.Y. A HARD COVER WITH NO MISSING PAGES. DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA OF ITS VALUE? OR IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR IT? PLEASE E-MAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW I ALSO HAVE AN OLD CANDY AND DESSERT BOOK TO.

  8. Tami Rubie says:

    I am interested in by mrs beetons cook books.
    Also I have been asked to value Elsie g. harvey’s peace recipe war book, undated. any ideas?

  9. Duncan Galletly says:

    There were at least four editions and at least 6-7 different printings of oen of those editions. Basically depending on condition, and the edition, you could get anywhere between $10-40

  10. Amiria Reriti says:

    Hey there, I have been searching as long as I can remember – for a cook book that had recipes of birthday cakes for each calendar month – and for January the cake was of a maypole and for November month an oven with dolls sitting on it …etc. Mum thinks it was a cook book put out by the food store IGA which existed in the 60′s? Any chance you guys may have come across it in your travels please?

  11. m lewis says:

    i have just found in my loft a copy of [THE HOUSEHOLD GUIDE] edited by AUNT KATE. 158 pages all and pictures in tact date wise 1930/40 ex.cond

  12. Valerie Daye says:

    I have 3 cookbooks, editions ranging from 1938-1942.
    Good condition. Newspaper recipe clippings from the
    period are found between some of the pages. One is New England
    Recipes (This is a gift edition with a wooden cover. The
    other two are Southern recipes, and Old Fashioned Recipes-
    both of these have homemade wooden covers. They are all in
    remarkable condition. Am wondering what I might be able
    to get from the sale of these and if anyone may
    be interested.

  13. dianne says:

    I have a 1934 complete illustrated cookery book which was edited by “chef” it is a young ladys complete guide to running a household in her time could any one tell me the aprox value of such a book and is it rare thank you

  14. sarah mcmillan says:

    deeton@s book of household management edited by mrs Isabella beeton A first
    edition facsimile 1968 does anybody want?

  15. Mike says:

    Hi I have a book called “The housewife’s cookery Book” I have tried to find out how old it is but cant find it anywhere. It was printed by Butler and Tanner Ltd

  16. Joan says:

    I have a Mrs Beetons All About Cookery.”New Edition” printed in 1892 .in good order for the year.How much is it worth please in sterling.Joan

  17. Isabel says:

    Have two 1894 and 1904 Mrs. Beetons cookbooks.

    Excellent condition..

    Iam in the USA.

  18. Simon Platten says:

    We an old book…Menus Made Easy by Nancy Lake 1889, if anyone is interested.

  19. Desideratum says:

    I have a copy of Charles Francatelli’s ‘The Cook’s Guide and Housekeeper & Butler’s Assistant’ 1861. It is described as a practical treatise in English and foreign cookery. Francatelli was briefly Queen Victoria’s cook. He also worked for Crockfordss and the Reform Club, plus several nobilities.
    As well as over a thousand recipes of the day the book contains instructions for the service of wines, directions for the preparation of diets for invalids, epicurean salads, medicinal drinks, and American drinks and beverages.
    Can anyone give me a value on this book.

    • Robert Hendry says:

      I collect cookery books. This book by Francatelli is worth in the region of 50-80 UKP’s depending on condition. I would possibly be interested in purchasing if you want to sell it and it is complete.

      Please advise.
      Thankyou

      Robert

      • admin says:

        If anyone wants to exchange email addresses without posting them here, I have them logged so I can do that for you… Alternatively if you’d like to donate dog-eared well-loved old books, then please do!

        • Sheelagh Liebenberg says:

          I have an old MMrs Beeton’s Cookery Book – published by Ward Lock & Co. – and have no idea of when it was published. Is there anyway for me to find this out?

      • Paul Torz says:

        I have Elizabeth David ‘French Provincial Cooking’1960
        First published Michael Joseph Ltd 1960
        Illustrated by Juliet Renny

  20. Bob Watson says:

    Hello, I have an antique hand written recipe book dating back to the 1850s, it has links to Toddington manor in gloucester England, which in my opinion makes it of great interest. I am looking to sell this book.
    inside the book a slip of paper reads, Mrs. Lambe is going to London today to be examined under oath at the house of lords, for a foolish irishman a Mr. Tracey who says he can claim all my Lord Sudeleys fortune and all his estates in Toddington in Gloucester.

  21. charlotte young says:

    I recived a cookbook from my mother written in early 1900s. some one stole it I have been trying to replace it for a long time. The name was Bittina something it was a story cookbook about ayoung wife from the time she married what she fixed and about there life I would love to find the ccookbook agin thank you charlie

  22. Ann says:

    HI have a few old cookery books not sure if they are worth any thing first one SIMPLE FISH AND VEGETABLE SAUCES BROWN AND POLSON PAISLEY AND LONDON, PRICE ONE PENNY
    VERY GOOD CONDITION .EDITED BY C.HERMAN SENN 24 PAGES IT ALSO GOT A PAGE OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND UTENSILS.
    BOOK 2
    THE NEW RADIATION RECIPE BOOK WHICH HAS 48 PAGES ,IT HAS A LADY ON THE FRONT COVER MAKING PASTRY IT HAS LOTS OF RECIPES IN IT .

  23. Sue Reeves says:

    Hi I have got 3 old cookery books Mrs Beetons new and enlarge edition price one shilling cover not great but pictures inside ok + Mrs Beetons Hors d,oeuvres & savouries,no price on that one.Also no 3 The star cookery book price 2d I work for a charity shop and these were donated any idea what i can charge for them, or do you buy old cookery books. thanks Sue R

  24. Dave Huntley says:

    Hi, I have a cook book called “My favourite tested recipes by Mrs D D Cottington-Taylor”. The book is paperback and printed for (and logo’d with) the Valor Oil Stove company.

    Dave

  25. Cody edwards says:

    yes i have a 1890 Delmonicos cook book in perfect condition By S.M. Gates please contact me and let me know what you think

  26. Solimar Williams says:

    Hi Andrew,
    I am interested in obtaining your old recipes!!!!
    I promise I will take good care of them!!!!!!!!!

  27. Bernard OMalley says:

    I have:The George Bernard Shaw Vegetarian Cook Book,Illustrated.Author:Mrs Alice Laden:edited by R.J.Minney.
    1974 Edition by Pan Books Ltd.

    Any offers please.

  28. Dee Coe says:

    I have an old book which has been in family for years. not sure where it came from. It may well have been an old library book as there is a stamp inside 1946. Not very good condition but it is complete.
    The book is Called
    THE LADYS GUIDE by A Lady
    Inc in the title is ‘To the ordering of her household and the Economy of the Dinner table’
    published by Smith,Elder & Co London Date about 1861
    It includes menus for Dinner Parties etc.
    Could it be of any value. I believe it to be first edition.

  29. Tasha Klein says:

    THE CHICAGO DAILY NEWS
    COOK BOOK

    copyright 1930 by the chicago daily news

    poor condition

    interesting little clippings and such between the pages

  30. Graham S-W says:

    Hi

    Are you still looking for books? I have a number, of various ages and condition. You are welcome to them either collect or cost of postage.

    Cheers

  31. Martin Wright says:

    Hi there. I have been passed down a Hard Cover copy of Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management New Edition. Publish date is 1906. The spine cover has come loose on one end but still attached. All pages are intact and none missing as far as I can tell. What would your offer be for a book like this? Thank you

  32. Geoff Woodland says:

    I have a Mrs Beetons “Shilling” Cook Book (1880s) which I might be interested in selling ?.
    How much are you willing to pay?
    Regards Geoff

    • admin says:

      Hi Geoff, we’re not looking to buy books (as stated at the top of the page), but if you’d like to donate it we pay the postage. Thanks.

    • karen says:

      is this still available and how much would you sell for?
      i am in the usa. what condition is it in?
      thanks
      Karen

    • Caroline says:

      Hi Geoff, is this still for sale?

  33. Tony says:

    Gudday, have my dear old mums Edmonds cookery Book,7th edition. I have no wish to sell it, but am very interested to find when it was printed.
    Any help would be appreciated.
    Cheers Tony

  34. andy burton says:

    spect i got few laying about. there,s a mrs beetons 1910 and household managment cookery that my mum gave me from 1960, know i had couple from turn of century and one from 1890. dont know if in my chefs office at work or in my attic or airing cupbaord.i would have a look but gotta pack my bag coz leaving sunny lake district in morning to go sit on brighton beach for a week

  35. stacey says:

    hi,can someone tell me about melhuish cookery book.Its vey old inside it ,it says monica mawson,formerly of the good housekeeping institute,authoress and broadcaster,has written and tested ever recipe in the cookery book.published by w.melhuish ltd,camberwell green,london,s.e.5
    each chapter has cartoon illustrations.
    It was my grandfathers mothers book.So i know it is very old.
    thanks

  36. Mrs E Birt says:

    Hi I have a Mrs Isabella Beeton cook book
    (shilling), would any one be interested in buying it.
    From Emma Birt

  37. Walter says:

    My mother has been doing research to link our family to the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)and we just received a compilation of recipes that one can barely read (hand written in pencil with the pages falling apart). I don’t know if the recipes are any good, but it was compiled between 1780s and about 1810-15 from a relative. Any use for this?

  38. Walter says:

    Just told that these written in ink, but I don’t think it matters. (update to previous comment)

  39. Gay McGee says:

    I have a 1948 Ann Pillsbury “Adventures in Cake Craft” which is a paperback in good shape. The edges are a little waterstained but has not harmed the reciopes. Included is a couple of winning enteries from the 5th Pillsbury BakeOff. Anyone have any ideas of what it might be worth? I’m interested in selling it.

  40. tina dunn says:

    i have two old cookery book one is borwicks cookery book by george borwick and sons and the other is 120 ways of useing bread by millers mutual assciation

  41. tina dunn says:

    anyone interested in above

  42. Eddie Stanbrook says:

    I have discovered 3 large boxes of cookery books in my loft. Nothing very old (1960-1990)or valuable and a few favourites well used. wide range of titles and publishers. Free. Please e mail to arrange collection or delivery.

    Eddie

  43. Tom says:

    I have a number of old cookery bokks that my grandfather collected; I am looking for new homes for these bibles of gastronomical prophecy.
    In particular I have:-
    1.Mrs Beetons Cookery Book(1923/Ward-Lock)-Missing back cover.
    2.Mrs Beetons Cookery Book(1907/Ward-Lock)
    3.The Fine Art of Cooking by Helen Jerome(1946/Pitman)
    4.The Art of the Table by Herman-Senn(1923/Ward-Lock)
    5.Chafing Dish and Casserole Cookery by Herman-Senn(5th ed/Ward-Lock)
    6.Beeton’s All About Gardening Illustrated(1871/Ward-Lock)
    7.Mrs Beetons Cookery Book(1907/Paternoster)

    • phil joy says:

      hi
      please could you email me if you still have these books< i am a catering student in college and i just collect all sorts of cookery books,
      i live in the uk,

      thanks
      phil

  44. wayne says:

    we have Mrs Beeton’s All about Cookery book from 1907 up for auction.

  45. Clare says:

    I have a book called ‘The Modern Housewife’s Book’ price 3/6 published by John Leng & Co Ltd, London and Dundee.
    It features Aunt Kate’s Cookery Book, Baking Book, Jams & Jellies, Cake & Candy, Handy Hints and Mother’s Book. I don’t know what the publish date is.

  46. Cath says:

    I have a copy of “Mrs Beeton’s All About Cookery” and “circa 1885″ has been noted in faint pencil on one of the pages by someone. It has two coloured plates, 4 pages of sepia adverts in the front. It was a 21st birthday present and the person who gave it to me wrote a little message on one of the blank pages. Otherwise its in good condition though the first page has come lose as the binding has stretched a bit but the page is still there.

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