>
>I got this on a mailing list I subscribe to. It was forwarded by one
>of the subscribers. Looks like an, um, interesting read. And only
>$200. <kof>
>

Hi Bob:

Funny that you should mention this. The first significant cookbook that I
acquired was Dr. John Doran's "Table Traits with Something on Them" (New York,
1855) . The dealer had no idea of its worth. Neither did I. I offered $5. The
dealer was happy to see it sold. It was beginner's luck, but I have continued
to buy cookbooks ever since-- including other editions of Doran's book, all of
which were priced under $50. It is very common book and even in perfect
condition, it is not worth $200.

But during the past few years, there has been a steep escalation in prices for
all cookbooks, especially in the US and UK. I assume this has simply meant that
there are now so many more cookbook collectors. Or perhaps, due to the
internet, dealers have found collectors willing to pay much more for pre-20th
century cookbooks.

Andy Smith