Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Access Restrictions

Collection open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Abraham's Table Manuscript, between 1983-2012, SC 0351, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

Immediate source of acquisition is unknown. The manuscript was orphaned in Special Collections, with no associated paperwork, at an unknown date.

Appraisal

A CD-R containing the word document version of the manuscript was not retained due to its duplication of the physical manuscript.

Biographical Note

Dr. Crystal Theodore (1917-2012) was a member of James Madison University's art faculty for 26 years including time as the department head. After her retirement in 1983, Theodore continued her advocacy for the arts and was involved in the local Harrisonburg art community. While Theodore's scholarship and involvement in the arts is well documented, her research into religious cuisines is not outside of this manuscript. During World War II, Theodore served in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve as an intelligence officer.

Scope and Contents

Abraham's Table manuscript, is a typed manuscript of Dr. Crystal Theodore's work Abraham's Table: A Collection of Jewish, Christian and Islamic Recipes and Their Origins . The manuscript includes a narrative description and history of the celebratory foods of the three aforementioned religions as well as recipes.

The manuscript is divided into two parts: Celebratory Foods and Recipes. The first part is broken down according to religion - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The recipes are identified according to the religion they are traditionally associated with. Similar to most cookbooks, the recipes are organized according to type of food (e.g. desserts, soups, beverages, etc.).

The manuscript is undated but likely dates between 1983 when Theodore retired as professor emerita and 2012 when she died.

Arrangement

The manuscript is arranged according to the original order of the work.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Cookbooks
• Cooking
• Cooking -- Religious aspects
• Islamic cooking
• Jewish cooking
• Manuscripts (documents)
• Recipes