Maria Rundell

Maria Rundell (1745 – 16 December 1828) was a British author and expert on cooking and housekeeping, who was one of the most popular and influential domestic advisors of her time. She is best known for her book, A New System of Domestic Cookery, which was first published in 1806 and went through dozens of editions in the following decades.

Early life

Rundell was born in 1745, the daughter of Abel Johnson, a Quaker from Yorkshire. Little is known about her early life, but it is believed that she received a good education, as was typical for girls of her social class at the time.

Career

In 1805, at the age of 60, Rundell compiled a manuscript of recipes and domestic advice for her daughters. This manuscript was published the following year as A New System of Domestic Cookery. The book was an immediate success, and it quickly became the standard reference for home cooks in Britain.

The book covers a wide range of topics, from cooking techniques and recipes, to advice on housekeeping, home remedies, and even etiquette. It is notable for its practical, economical approach to cooking, and for its emphasis on using seasonal, local ingredients.

Rundell's book was not just a collection of recipes; it was also a guide to running a household, and it reflected the social and economic changes of the time. It was aimed at middle-class women who might not have a large staff of servants, and it offered advice on how to manage a household efficiently and economically.

Legacy

Rundell's influence on domestic life in the 19th century was significant. Her book was widely read and followed, and it set the standard for domestic advice literature for decades to come. It was also one of the first cookbooks to be published in the United States, where it was equally popular.

Rundell's approach to cooking and housekeeping, with its emphasis on practicality and economy, was a reflection of the changing social and economic conditions of her time. Her book remains a valuable resource for historians and researchers studying the domestic life of the 19th century.

See also

• History of cooking
• List of food writers

References

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