Cooking School Cookbook Appraisal

The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Merritt Farmer

This is a vintage hardcover edition of 'The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book', authored by the renowned culinary expert Fannie Merritt Farmer. This specific volume appears to be a mid-20th-century edition, likely dating from the 1930s to the 1950s based on its blue-and-tan cloth binding style. The front cover is bound in a tan or sandy-colored buckram cloth with dark blue lettering encased in a simple rectangular border. The title and author's name are prominently displayed in a classic serif font that reflects the utilitarian yet authoritative design characteristic of early-to-mid 20th-century instructional texts. Physically, the book shows significant signs of age and frequent use, consistent with an active kitchen life. Visible condition issues include heavy staining and spotting across the front cover boards, edge wear particularly along the spine and corners, and general discoloration or 'browning' of the cloth. There is evidence of minor fraying at the head and tail of the spine. Such wear often indicates the book was highly valued as a reference tool. Fannie Farmer's work is historically significant for introducing standardized measurements to American cooking, making this a foundational piece for culinary history collectors. The craftsmanship is typical of high-volume commercial publishing of that era, utilizing durable materials intended to withstand heat and spills, though this example shows the natural patina and degradation typical of decades of shelf life and handling.