This volume in the American Antiquarian Cookbook Collection, published in 1870 in Boston, is by a “practical” baker with twenty-seven years of experience in the baking business, and he shares his secrets for making all categories of baked goods for the benefit of professionals and private bakers alike.

John Weild states in his preface that he is writing for professional bakers, those who work in hotels, eating houses, and saloons, in order to expand their capabilities from one branch to another, and he claims that his book is the first of its kind for a professional audience. His goal is to help loaf-bread bakers become proficient in cake-making and vice versa. In particular, his recipes are clearly written to achieve his goal of making the book the standard authority for all cake makers, including ladies who bake for their families. Contents include over 200 recipes for loaf-bread baking, cakes, pastry, jellies, ice cream and water ices, pies, crackers, and puddings.