Manuscript recipe books.

containing hundreds of entries, mostly for pickles and preserves, curries, stews, wines and spirits (including "English champagne", "Gooseberry Champaigne", "Curacoa"), puddings and cakes, some of them inspired by Continental cooking; a few books also containing medicinal remedies and household tips (such as for cleaning mahogany tables, washing lace and cleaning carpets); many of the recipes also recording their source (doctors, cooks or relatives such as "my poor Mother") and quality or effectiveness ("For the Tooth-Ache, infallible")



over 1000 pages in all, folio, 4to and 8vo, each manuscript volume written in several hands over a period of time, most containing index, additional recipes occasionally tipped-in or loosely inserted, mostly early nineteenth century, in various bindings (contemporary vellum and boards, modern wrappers, half calf and morocco), one volume with contemporary ownership inscriptions, some staining, some pages or gatherings loose, one volume with recipes pasted in, wear to some covers, repairs to a few bindings

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."