Esquire Cook Book 1955

Last Spring, I picked up this great vintage cookbook at a United Church thrift sale in the FREE pile and forgot all about it. I took it with me because of the whimsical drawings on both the cover and inside of the book.

It is the Esquire Cook-Book published in 1955 and illustrated beautifully by American illustrator Bill Charmatz. Charmatz was known for his editorial sketches, and was featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Sports Illustrated, and of course, Esquire Magazine.

He passed away in 2005 at the age of 80, but this wonderful book provides such a quirky look into recipes catered towards men... in the fifties!

I love this image of the poor fellow fretting over what he sees on the scale, while being surrounded by thoughts of all these tempting treats!

Like any typical recipe book, this one is organized with appetizers, types of meat, dishes for entertaining, etc. I love how this tuxedo-clad gent is kicking up his feet in anticipation for his party.

This book is going for big bucks on etsy, with some sellers pricing it at almost $70! I sure am glad I plucked it out of the free bin - it may have been destined for the dump otherwise.

There's also a neat centrefold set of drawings teaching the readers about butcher cuts of meat - my photos don't do them justice - they are worthy of framing and putting up in the kitchen!

Linking up to Vintage Thingie Thursday!

UPDATE: For some reason, blogger won't let me comment on my own posts...! Rest assured I am enjoying your lovely comments, but unfortunately I can't respond to them (this glitch has been going on all week).  I'll keep trying; in the meantime, please keep leaving me your thoughts!