Forget everything you know about modern celebrity cookbooks. 'Favorite Dishes' isn't a curated collection of perfect meals; it's a social snapshot. Published for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Carrie V. Shuman had a brilliant, simple idea: write to notable figures and ask for a handwritten recipe. The result is a bizarre and wonderful mix. You'll find a muffin recipe from a Supreme Court justice, a fish chowder from a famous actress, and a bizarre 'Mummy Wheat' recipe from an Egyptologist, all in their original penmanship.

The Story

There isn't a plot in the traditional sense. The 'story' is the assembly of the book itself. Flipping through it is like attending the world's most eclectic potluck dinner. One page has a straightforward cake recipe from a well-known hostess, the next has a vague, poetic instruction for 'Spanish Buns' from a writer. The tension comes from the clash between the public persona and the private, domestic act of sharing a recipe. Why did these busy, famous people bother to reply? What does their choice of dish—often simple, homey fare—say about them?

Why You Should Read It

This book is a joy for the curious mind. It's less about cooking (some recipes are hilariously vague) and more about connection. Seeing the actual handwriting of people like Lillian Russell or John Greenleaf Whittier is strangely intimate. It pulls them off the history book page and into the kitchen. It reminds you that even the most celebrated people had to eat and, presumably, had a favorite family dish. It’s a beautiful piece of social history disguised as a community cookbook.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history lovers, foodies with a sense of humor, and anyone who loves odd, primary-source artifacts. If you enjoy peeking into the past through everyday objects, or if the idea of making 'Mark Twain's Scrambled Eggs' makes you smile, you'll adore this unique book. It's a conversation starter and a genuine, charming relic.