Antique French Cookbook Cuisine Pratique de la Bonne Ménagère, Illustrated, c. 1910

Antique French Cookbook Cuisine Pratique de la Bonne Ménagère, Illustrated French Recipe Book, Vintage French Kitchen Decor

This beautiful old French cookbook is almost a tour through the traditional French kitchen.

Cuisine Pratique de la Bonne Ménagère is a substantial French household cookbook devoted to practical cooking, pâtisserie and entremets, accompanied by numerous charming illustrations.

Some of my favorite pages aren't recipes at all.

The wonderful “Les Ustensiles” illustrations depict the equipment of the French kitchen—from pastry boards and molds to frying baskets, brushes, pastry cutters and even a wooden rouleau à pâtisserie—rolling pin.

Elsewhere, illustrated recipes such as Le Lièvre à la Royale turn the book into something fascinating simply to browse.

The original illustrated cover may be the best part: a French cook at her stove, surrounded by billowing pots, with a black cat sitting at her feet. The faded green, ochre and red tones have acquired exactly the sort of patina that cannot be reproduced.

Published in Paris by Albin Michel, this undated edition appears to date from the early decades of the 20th century.

Condition
This is an old, well-used book with considerable age-related character. Expect toning and spotting to the pages, worn corners and edges, cover wear and wear to the binding. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition.

Details

• Cuisine Pratique de la Bonne Ménagère
• French language
• Published by Albin Michel, Paris
• Recipes for cooking, pâtisserie and entremets
• Numerous explanatory illustrations
• Early 20th century
• Original illustrated cover
• Antique condition with age-related wear

Beautiful displayed closed, but perhaps even better left open to one of its illustrated pages in a French kitchen.

Note: Photos 1-2 have been enhanced for clarity and styling ideas. Please see photos 3-9 for non-enhanced product details. Please ask questions about condition — we're happy to provide additional photos or details.