Cookbooks are more than just recipes. They are cultural artifacts that reveal how our kitchens--and meals--have been shaped by changing social dynamics, economic shifts, and evolving tastes.

From military manuals to school lunches and homecooked Sunday dinners, these cookbooks from the Linda Hall Library collection embody the resilience, creativity, and aspirations of their eras. Take a nostalgic dive into some of the classics that graced American tables and see how cookbooks provided practical guidance and symbolized connection, adaptation, and celebration.

Open February through August 29, 2025.