Synopsis
This version of Mary Kettelby’s A Collection of Above Three Hundred Receipts, In Cookery, Physick, and Surgery was published 1714. It is the second edition, containing an additional section dedicated to home remedies for the sick.
The author recommended her book to the clergy, especially to those whose Parishes were remote from other medical help.
It was fairly common for early English cookbooks to include such recipes, and Kettelby’s work is a prime example and a valuable resource for anyone interested in 18th English foodways.
Review
A Collection of Above Three Hundred Receipts: In Cookery, Physick, and Surgery by Mary Kettelby
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Story
This is such an interesting book! It was gifted to me by family as I’ve become quite the collector and enjoy Townsends so much! I’d recommend this one to anyone, particularly book collectors and those interested in looking at a bit of 18th century history.
Really fascinating remedies to read through.
I’m still working my way through the recipes, but have found some interpretation and adjustments needed for some to make them a success. The experimentation with ingredients and instruction has been fun in both conventional and nonconventional ways that are stretching my skillset and helping to foster creativity and gain insight into how ingredients were used and how recipes were constructed during the 1700s.
The Writing
It’s fun to read through the old vernacular and letter substitution in the type since it’s a mix of unknown error and intention. Makes for a bit of adventurous surprise!
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