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The House Servant's Directory, or a Monitor for Private Families by Robert Roberts. ...
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Sold on Oct 19, 2022 for:
$6,875.00
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Description
The House Servant's Directory, or a Monitor for Private Families by Robert Roberts. Boston: Munroe and Francis, 1827. First edition. 12mo. (4.5" x 7.25"). xiv, [15] -180 pages. Rebound; endpapers refreshed. Spine back in calf with tan cloth over boards. Spine stamped in gilt and blind.The first book by an African-American writer to be commercially published in the United States, and the first cookbook by an African American. Roberts (circa 1780-1860) served as a butler in the home of Massachusetts Governor and U. S. Senator Christopher Gore until Gore's death in 1827. Later in life, he became a prominent Boston-area abolitionist. Longone, in American Cookbooks and Wine Books 1797-1950, wrote, "Although only two other editions of [Roberts's] book are recorded, some historians think this work was seminal 'in producing men of singular ability as caterers, and managers--rather than servants--of large households in three major Northern cities--Philadelphia, New York and Boston'" (p. 2).
Reference: Lowenstein, American Cookery Books, 1742-1860, 95.
Condition: Margins of title page repaired with archival tissue not affecting text. Embossed library stamp to title page; pencil notations to verso of title page. Edges of text block toned, occasional closed tear and chip to internal pages that do not affect text, with exception of one 1.5" closed tear on page 66. Very lightly toned internally.
Auction Info
2022 October 19 Historic African Americana Signature® Auction #6248 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
October, 2022
19th
Wednesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 395
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