Whistler's Mother's Cook Book

More about the book

American painter James McNeill Whistler likely never anticipated that his portrait of his mother would become a cultural icon. Known as "Whistler’s Mother," this painting, created when another model failed to appear, is now one of the most beloved artworks, residing in the Musee d’Orsay in Paris. Similarly, Anna McNeill Whistler could not have foreseen that her "cook book" would be published for a wider audience. Humorously dubbed her "Bible" by her son, this manuscript was meticulously maintained by Mrs. Whistler and features a variety of recipes, including bread-and-butter pudding, "oisters," and quince marmalade. After being bequeathed to the University of Glasgow by Whistler’s sister-in-law, the manuscript has been edited by Margaret MacDonald, a research fellow at the Centre for Whistler Studies. MacDonald also shares insights into the Whistler household across the United States, Russia, and Britain, providing a charming look at 19th-century family life. The recipes are both delectable and straightforward, presented in Mrs. Whistler’s original language alongside modern equivalents. Ingredients that may seem unfamiliar, like rose-water or isinglass, are clarified with contemporary substitutes. This edition includes Whistler’s evocative illustrations of shopping, cooking, and dining, along with portraits of Whistler and his mother, enhancing the experience.