Cookbooks Worth Collecting: The History and Lore of Notable Cookbooks, with Complete Bibliographic Listings and Up-to-date Values

A very informative book on the backgound of cookbooks and collecting them. It is not meant to be a price list. Price lists are only valid until they are published, then the prices have already changed, so this book has a leg up on price lists. If you don't care about the background of cookbooks and collecting and are only looking for lists or advice as to which to buy, don't buy this book. If you want to learn more about the hobby, buy this book.

Barile's book is one of my 3 favorites on this subject. Her coverage of historical significance is excellent, and her listing of specific books with price guidelines is simple to use and surprisingly thorough for the space devoted to them. I have been able to find some of my cookbooks and recipe leaflets in this book that are not listed elsewhere, so I recommend it a sound investment for the new collector. My copy is already dog-eared from daily use.

As a new collector of cookbooks, this is one of my favorite reference books. The historical information found in this book is fascinating and helps the reader understand the significance of cookbooks as a window to the past. It also helps explain why some are valued as highly as they are. The 1993 copyright did not detract, since values tend to be relative, and this book gives a good feel for evaluating a collection. Unlike an earlier reviewer, I did not find the shortened listings in the last section of the book to be a problem. I was able to find a surprising number of cookbooks I've acquired in this book that are not in the 3 others I have. Also, cookbooks are listed alphabetically by title, the absolute simplest reference arrangement I've found...no jumping around in categories is required. I'd highly recommend this one!