A Poetical Cook-book

Philadelphia: Caxton Press of C. Sherman, Son & Co., 1864.

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Hardcover. First edition. Octavo. 144pp. Publisher's fine hexagon cloth (Krupp, Hex1) stamped in blind and gilt. Corners a little worn, head of spine with a short split, else a bright near fine copy.

Contains an introductory poem and "miscellaneous observations" by the author. Each recipe, given without specific measurements, is accompanied by a bit of verse written by various poets. Moss's dedication reads: "When I wrote the following pages, some years back at Oak Lodge, as a pastime, I did not think it would be of service to my fellow-creatures, for our suffering soldiers, the sick, wounded, and needy, who have so nobly fought our country's cause, to maintain the flag of our great Republic, and to prove among nations that a Free Republic is not a myth. With these few words I dedicate this book to the SANITARY FAIR to be held in Philadelphia, June, 1864."

Sanitary Fairs were one of the fundraising methods of the U.S. Sanitary Commission, founded in 1861 to allocate donated money and goods to improve medical care and living conditions of Union soldiers in the field or in military hospitals. The Fair of June 1864 mentioned by the author was the largest ever held. It took place in Philadelphia at Logan Square (now Circle), in a 200,000 square foot complex, built by volunteer craftsmen in only 40 days. Abraham Lincoln and his family attended on June 16. President Lincoln contributed 48 signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation, which retailed for $10 apiece. The fair raised over $1 million for soldiers.

In Charles J. Stille's history of this fair, published in 1864, we learn that this cookbook was published specifically for the event: "One characteristic feature of [the Books and Stationery] department was the sale of works prepared specially for the benefit of the fair. These were all printed in the handsomest and most attractive form; and we doubt not that the intrinsic value of *The Poetical Cook-Book* by Miss Maria J. Moss [...] was all the more appreciated by the purchasers, when they felt that while they were gratifying their taste, they were also helping a great work of charity" (pp.34-35). Moss is also listed as a member of the Ladies' Executive Committee of the Department of the State of New Jersey (although she is given a Philadelphia address), as well as a member of the Committee of Women for both Musical Entertainments and Musical Instruments, and for Publishers, Booksellers, and Bookbinders.

A nice copy of a very uncommon, Civil War-era cookbook, with a patriotic author and publication history.


Item #453211

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Item #453211 A Poetical Cook-book. Maria J. MOSS.
A Poetical Cook-book