The Founders of American Cuisine: Seven Cookbook Authors and Historical Recipes
The Founders of American Cuisine profiles seven chefs and cookbook authors whose work shaped American cuisine, then presents selected historical recipes with notes for adapting them to modern cooking. It combines culinary history with recipes rather than focusing on recipes alone.
At a glance
- Profiles Amelia Simmons, Mary Randolph, Miss Leslie, Mrs. Abby Fisher, Lafcadio Hearn, Charles Ranhofer, and Victor Hirtzler.
- Includes selected recipes from the authors' books, with notes intended to help modern cooks adapt them.
Reference price: $39.95
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Pairs biographies and culinary context with historical recipes, giving readers both background and material to explore in the kitchen.
- Covers authors associated with regional and broader American culinary traditions.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | McFarland |
|---|---|
| Publication date | February 22, 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 296 pages |
| Reading age | 18 years and up |
| ISBN-10 | 0786458690 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-0786458691 |
| Dimensions | 7 x 0.59 x 10 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.14 pounds |
What to know before buying
- The recipes are selected excerpts, not a complete collection of every author's work. The listing does not give a recipe count or specify dietary coverage.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in American food history and influential cookbook authors.
- Cooks who want historical recipes alongside notes on adapting them for modern kitchens.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a contemporary, broad-purpose cookbook or a clearly specified recipe count.
Customer reviews on Amazon
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The listing shows a small set of customer ratings, all in the five-star category, but provides no written feedback. That is limited evidence and does not explain what readers valued. The book's listed combination of historical profiles and selected recipes may suit readers looking for both culinary context and cooking material, but ratings alone cannot establish how useful the adaptation notes are.
Frequently asked questions
What does the book cover?
It describes the lives and influence of seven chefs and cookbook authors linked to the development of American cuisine.
Does it include recipes?
Yes. A second section contains selected recipes from the authors' books, with notes to aid adaptation by modern cooks.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 296 pages.
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