The First Best Selling Cookbook:

The First Best-Selling Cookbook:

“The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy” by Hannah Glasse

One of my favorite topics to present is the inimitable Julia Child. (Click here to read about her role in the OSS, the predecessor to the CIA, in World War II!) Julia Child was truly an
extraordinary person; strong, funny, creative, and joyful. Her classic “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” by Julia Child is one of the most influential cookbooks of all time. Thinking about the revolutionary impact of Julia Child’s classic cookbook made me wonder what the world’s first best-selling cookbook was. The answer is 1747’s “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy” by Hannah Glasse. The story of that remarkable book is fascinating.

Cookbooks have long been an essential part of our culinary heritage, providing us with recipes, techniques, and glimpses into the flavors of the past. Among these influential works, one stands out as a game-changer in the world of cooking literature. “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy” by Hannah Glasse holds an important place in history,
not only for its delicious recipes but also for its impact on shaping culinary traditions. While it was not the first cookbook, it was the first widely read and influential one, sparking a culinary revolution in England.

A Culinary Awakening

Before Glasse’s book, cookbooks were often written in complex and inaccessible language, catering mainly to the elite and professional chefs. Glasse, however, recognized the need for a more approachable approach to cooking. Her book aimed to empower ordinary household cooks, providing them with clear, concise instructions that anyone could understand. This revolutionary approach democratized cooking knowledge and helped bridge the gap between the culinary elite and the average home cook.

“The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy” struck a chord with readers across Britain and beyond.

Why Did It Have Such An Impact?

The year 1747 is significant in understanding why “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy” by Hannah Glasse became popular. During that time, several factors contributed to the book’s success.

Firstly, the 18th century marked a period of increasing literacy and a growing middle class in Britain. The rise in literacy rates meant more people could read and access  printed materials, including cookbooks. As literacy spread, there was a greater demand for books catering to the needs of everyday people.

Secondly, the Industrial Revolution began transforming society, particularly in urban areas. This period saw the rise of the working class and a shift in demographics, with more people moving from rural areas to cities in search of employment. As working people settled in urban centers, they sought guidance on managing their households and cooking meals efficiently.

Hannah Glasse’s cookbook, published in 1747, specifically targeted these newly emerging urban middle-class households. Glasse wrote in plain and accessible language, free from the complex culinary terminology of the aristocracy. Glasse’s emphasis on simplicity and practicality resonated with working-class readers seeking practical advice for everyday cooking.

Shaping Culinary Traditions:

Glasse’s cookbook had a profound influence on British culinary traditions. She introduced new flavors, techniques, and a more pragmatic approach to cooking through her recipes. Traditional dishes like roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and trifle were featured in her book, solidifying their place in British cuisine. Hannah Glasse’s impact still exists, as many of her recipes and cooking principles continue to be celebrated and passed down through generations. Some cooks still use her recipes!

Paving the Way for Future Cookbooks:

“The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy” set a precedent for subsequent cookbooks.
Hannah Glasse’s emphasis on simplicity, practicality, and accessibility paved the way for future authors to write cookbooks for a wider audience. Her work inspired generations of cookbook authors to prioritize clear instructions, innovative recipes, and the art of making cooking accessible to all. As proof of the book’s lasting impact, amazingly, you can buy prepackaged food made to her exact recipes – over 275 years after she published her book!

What Of The Author?

Hannah Glasse, born in London in 1708, was the illegitimate daughter of Isaac and Hannah Allgood. At 16, she secretly married John Glasse, a junior officer in the British army. The couple had nine children, but tragically, some of them died in infancy. Glasse’s life remains largely mysterious, but in the fourth edition of her book, “The Art of Cookery, Made Plain and Easy,” she described herself as the “Habit Maker to Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales.” (Princess of Wales is the title once held by Princess Diana.) The book went through ten editions during the lifetime of Hannah Glasse.

Tragic End

Unfortunately, it is believed that Glasse faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in 1754. As part of the settlement, she was required to sell the copyrights to her book, potentially leaving her without compensation for later editions. Hannah Glasse passed away in 1770 in Newcastle, Northumberland, England.

After Glasse died in 1770, her cookbook continued to be reissued 16 more times over the next 75 years. These editions included an Edinburgh edition in 1781 and two American editions in 1805 and 1812. The book was published anonymously in the early editions, with the authorship credited simply as “by a lady.” It was only in the fourth edition that Glasse identified herself as the author.

Unfortunately, Glasse faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in 1754. As part of the settlement, she was required to sell the copyrights to her book, potentially leaving her without compensation for later editions. Hannah Glasse passed away in 1770 in Newcastle, England.

Conclusion:

Hannah Glasse’s “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy” holds a special place in culinary history. As the first widely read and influential cookbook, it revolutionized how cookbooks were written and consumed. Glasse’s commitment to making cooking accessible to all and her delicious recipes shaped British culinary traditions and influenced generations of cooks. Her legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the transformative power of a well-crafted cookbook.