Boston Cooking-School Cook Book
Encyclopedia
The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book (1896) by Fannie Merritt Farmer is a 19th century general reference cookbook
which is still available both in reprint and in updated form. It was particularly notable for a more rigorous approach to recipe writing than had been common up to that point.
In the preface Farmer states,
Farmer's 1896 compilation became the best-selling cookbook of the era.
In 2007, that period of American culinary history was recreated in an elaborate dinner using the Victorian cooking methods outlined in this book. The extensive preparations and the ultimate results were described in a book entitled Fannie's Last Supper by Christopher Kimball
; and an American public television program of the same name was broadcast in 2010.
Facsimiles of the original book are still in print. Heavily revised successor books, later retitled The Fannie Farmer Cookbook, have also been published, the most recent being the thirteenth edition by Marion Cunningham
, originally issued in 1990 and then reissued in 1996 for the 100th anniversary of the original book.
Cookbook
A cookbook is a kitchen reference that typically contains a collection of recipes. Modern versions may also include colorful illustrations and advice on purchasing quality ingredients or making substitutions...
which is still available both in reprint and in updated form. It was particularly notable for a more rigorous approach to recipe writing than had been common up to that point.
In the preface Farmer states,
-
- It is my wish that it may not only be looked upon as a compilation of tried and tested recipes, but that it may awaken an interest through its condensed scientific knowledge which will lead to deeper thought and broader study of what to eat.
Farmer's 1896 compilation became the best-selling cookbook of the era.
In 2007, that period of American culinary history was recreated in an elaborate dinner using the Victorian cooking methods outlined in this book. The extensive preparations and the ultimate results were described in a book entitled Fannie's Last Supper by Christopher Kimball
Christopher Kimball
Christopher Kimball is an American chef, editor, publisher, and radio/TV personality.- Education and career :Kimball was born and raised in Westchester County, New York. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and then Columbia University with a degree in Primitive Art. After graduating from...
; and an American public television program of the same name was broadcast in 2010.
Publication history
When Little, Brown & Company was preparing the first edition of Fannie Farmer's cookbook, they were not confident it would sell well. As such, the first edition, released in 1896, had a limited run of only 3,000 copies. It proved an immediate success.Facsimiles of the original book are still in print. Heavily revised successor books, later retitled The Fannie Farmer Cookbook, have also been published, the most recent being the thirteenth edition by Marion Cunningham
Marion Cunningham (author)
Marion Cunningham is a California-born award-winning American food writer.Cunningham was responsible for the 1990 revision of the Fannie Farmer Cookbook, and is the author of The Breakfast Book, and Cooking with Children...
, originally issued in 1990 and then reissued in 1996 for the 100th anniversary of the original book.
- 1st edition, 1896
- 2nd edition, 1906
- 3rd edition, 1918
- 4th edition, 1923
- 5th edition, 1930
- 6th edition, 1936
- 7th edition, 1941
- 8th edition, 1946
- 9th edition, 1951
- 10th edition, 1959 (The All New Fannie Farmer Boston Cooking-School Cookbook)
- 11th edition, 1965 (first to be titled The Fannie Farmer Cookbook)
- 12th edition, 1979
- 13th edition, 1990