The White House Cookbook by F. L. Gillette, Later Printing, 1894

Gillette, F. L. and Hugo Zimmerman. White House Cook Book: Cooking, Toilet and Household Recipes, Menus, Dinner-Giving, Table Etiquette, Care of the Sick, Health Suggestions, Facts Worth Knowing, Etc. Chicago: Werner Company, 1894. Later printing. Small Quarto. Illustrated. In publishers white and silver pictorial boards. Presented with a new, custom archival clamshell.

Presented is an 1894 printing of The White House Cook Book: Cooking, Toilet and Household Recipes, Menus, Dinner-Giving, Table Etiquette, Care of the Sick, Health Suggestions, Facts Worth Knowing, Etc. First published in 1887, this is a later, updated edition issued in 1894 by the Werner Company in Chicago. 

Written by F. L. Gillette after her many years spent cooking in the White House, this cookbook is not only a wonderful insight into 19th century cuisine but is still useful today. The instructional cookbook is divided into numerous sections including Poultry and Game, Soups, Breads, Cakes, and much more. Gillette first wrote her cookbook during the Cleveland administration, however many of the recipes are traced back to several former First Ladies. Each recipe has a bolded title just above a brief paragraph instructing the reader on how to prepare the dish. Familiar recipes such as “Maccaroni and Cheese,” “Puff-Ball Doughnuts,” and “Cold Slaw” can be found throughout the book while other recipes may not seem so common today. For example, Gillette includes recipes for “Turtle Soup,” “Squirrel,” and “Sassafras Meade.”

Towards the end of the White House Cook Book, one will find various housekeeping tips and “Facts Worth Knowing.” Such facts include how to hang a picture, how to eliminate ants, and a cure for the “hiccoughs.” Imperative for any respected hostess to know, Gillette provides helpful information on serving dinners and proper table etiquette. This book was meant to be not just an instructional cookbook, but also a guide in etiquette and event hosting. It now offers insight into how the 19th century American aristocratic classes ate, threw parties, maintained a household, and cured common illnesses. 

CONDITION:

Condition is good, considering age and past use. Small Quarto. Presented in the original publisher’s white boards . Front board is stamped with silver titles and decorative illustrations of the White House and Capitol building. Boards have staining and wear, from past use. Interior pages are surprisingly clean, with only light toning and scattered small stains.The book has received conservation work, including touch-ups to the boards and new joints. 570pp.

This beautiful book is housed in a custom quarter leather archival clamshell. Designed to match the cookbook, the two-toned clamshell has raised bands and gilt titles along the spine and a photo of the White House adorning the front.  

Book Dimensions: 10" H x 7 3/4" W x 1 3/4" D. Clamshell Dimensions: 11 1/4" H x 9" W x 2 5/8" D.