"Chinese Recipes" -- First Cookbook Published in English by Chinese Woman in America

Nellie C. Wong

Published by The American Rehabilitation Committee Inc, New York, New York, 1927

About this Item

First edition of a printed recipe book by Nellie Choy Wong (1893-1930s), the first Chinese woman to become a pharmacist in the United States, and to publish a cookbook in English in America. What makes this cookbook so clever is the way in which Choy has designed it: soft, tactile paper and a binding incorporating metal medallions evokes an exoticized "Far-Eastern" feel to 1920s Americans who, at that time, would have had little contact with anything "Chinese". Includes a brief explanatory. notes section discussing common ingredients used in Chinese cuisine, and where they can be bought in New York. The book includes twenty-eight printed recipes ranging from Tea to "Shrimp Straws", boiled pork, cabbage rolls, almond chow mein, and "Wang Shih". Western measures are used (e.g. cups, teaspoons). A fascinating example of "East Meets West" and two cultures meeting, as well as women's history. Single vol. (8" by 5.75"), pp. [4], 27, [1], in original orange decorated paper wrappers bound at left-hand edge with cord and metal medallions. Fair. Light dust soiling, short tears/chipping, large tear with loss to upper wrapper.

Seller Inventory # 23014951

Bibliographic Details

• Title: "Chinese Recipes" -- First Cookbook Published in English by Chinese Woman in America
• Publisher: The American Rehabilitation Committee Inc, New York, New York
• Publication Date: 1927
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Seller catalogs:
  • Childhood Ephemera & Books
  • Cultural History