How to Cook a Husband Manuscript Book, 1880

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], How to Cook a Husband Manuscript Book, Ms2010-079, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
This collection consists of a book entitled, A Novel Recipe "How to Cook a Husband," ca. 1880. Intended for newlywed women, the book's popular recipe contains metaphors that compare treating a husband well to cooking a good meal.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], How to Cook a Husband Manuscript Book, Ms2010-079, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains a single hand-made ribbon-bound manuscript entitled, A Novel Recipe "How to Cook a Husband." The book's recipe instructs newlywed women on how to treat their husbands well with metaphors that compare wifely duties and cooking. It starts off with the lines, "A good many husbands are utterly spoiled by mismanagement in cooking and are so not tender and good."

Biographical / historical:

The book's contents are based on a popular story that uses cooking metaphors to instruct newlywed women in treating their husbands well. Although the creator of the original story is unknown, the story is thought to have originated in New England in the early 1880s.

Acquisition information:
This collection was purchased by Special Collections in 2010.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the How to Cook a Husband Manuscript Book was completed in October 2010.

Indexed terms

Subjects:
History of Food and Drink