My husband found this copy of The Esquire Cookbook at the Book Thing in Baltimore a few years ago, to add to my vintage cookbook collection, and I nearly forgot about it until today. The recipes are the sort of curious mixed-bag you'd expect from a mid-century cookbook (Chartreuse Pudding, Fish Mayonnaise, or Eggs and Shrimps with Curry Sauce, anyone?). But what makes this book are the amazing illustrations by Bill Charmatz.
I can't say I was overly familiar with Charmatz work before coming across this book, but am in love with his style and humor. His spot illustrations, for one, are brilliant. His line work reminds me of Serge Bloch, as does his sly, occasionally dark, sense of humor (the happy ham in the middle of the top row is my favorite).
There are also some amazing larger illustrations, of such as this meat diagram . . . which I'm very tempted to frame and hang in my kitchen.
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