Featured in this lot is the Antique "The American Housewife and Kitchen Directory", 1869, Dick and Fitzgerald, publishers, New York. The first edition of this very popular nineteenth century cookbook was published in 1839 as The American Housewife, later expanded to The Kitchen Directory and American Housewife and often republished as The American Housewife and Kitchen Directory. Author Anne Howe’s name did not appear on the title page until later editions published after this 1841 version. Her preface states that although she is not an Ude (French chef) or a Kitchiner (popular British cookbook author), she knows the culinary arts as “practiced by good American cooks.” Bemoaning the inadequate instructions and limited practical knowledge expressed in other cookbooks, she presents over 350 recipes from the simplest broths to the most delicate cakes and sweetmeats with efficient instructions and practical economy. In addition to her recipe collection, the book includes recipes on cookery for the sick and making perfumes, as well as sections on housewifery and carving. The brown cloth bound stamped illustrated leather spine hardcover is in fair condition, scuffing and tears observed on covers and spine. Title page missing, intact pages exhibit age tanning and foxing, ink writing from previous owner (s) observed. Measures 4.5"W x 7"L x .5"D, weight is 6oz.