This listing is for the 1928 Mary at the Farm and Book of Recipes inscribed by the author, Edith M. Thomas.

MSU's Feeding America online project calls this book, "among the reliable 20th Century sources for this uniquely American cuisine." The author uses the fictional story of a young woman named Mary to investigate the food and homemaking ways of the Pennsylvania Dutch. The recipes are considered authentic, and the side stories are charming. In one story, she tells of a hunt for the mythological Elbadritchel bird. The book’s illustrations depict, photographically or with drawings, the countryside, its people, and some of the folk objects used in the home.

This particular copy is inscribed and signed by the author on the first blank page. The inscription reads as followed:

“Miss Mable Dick,

With kindest wishes and thanks for many favors.

Sincerely,

Edith M. Thomas

Quakertown, PA”

This copy also includes a handwritten recipe for sour milk chocolate cake, which has been pinned into a blank page.

Condition:

The inscribed page has become discolored as pictured. The front hinge has been cracked as pictured. There is some scattered foxing/brown staining. There are a couple of spots on the front cover as pictured.

The book measures about 9.25 inches tall by 6.25 inches wide.

Feel free to ask any questions!