Call Number:

Ms. Codex 1810

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

1 volume

Preferred Citation:

Ms. Codex 1810, Rezeptbuch: Alkoholische getränke-herstellung spezialität Liköre by Leopold Bobrek, 1859-1860, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1859-1860 (inclusive)

Creator:

Bobrek, Leopold

Form:

Manuals (instructional materials), Drawings (visual works), Diagrams, Recipes, and Codices (bound manuscripts)

Abstract:

This slim, paper-bound volume comprises a treatise on the methods for distillation of liquors with over thirty-five detailed and explanatory recipes for various spirits. The volume was written in German by Leopold Bobrek spanning the years from 1859 to 1860.

Leopold Bobrek is the father of architect Hugo Bobrek (1872?-1943). Hugo began his architectural career in Düsseldorf, Germany. In 1933 he immigrated to Israel with his wife Charlotte and daughter Edith.

This slim, paper-bound volume comprises a treatise on the methods for distillation of liquors with over thirty-five detailed and explanatory recipes for various spirits. The volume was written in German by Leopold Bobrek of Düsseldorf from the years 1859 to 1860. The pages are numbered one to seventy-nine followed by seven unnumbered pages. The volume is generally divided into the following sections, directions for purification of spirits, proper distillation, production of liquors, and recipes. The first three parts of practical methodology are accompanied by two detailed diagrams. One drawing depicts a still and the other is a labeled drawing of the equipment and processes of distillation. Following the process methods are recipes with instructional comments. The recipes are arranged into categories of simple spirits, double liquors, half-double liquors, fine liquors, rums, herbal bitters, and vermouths. Each recipe category is divided by type such as grain-based and ingredient including anise, cherry, citrus, cloves, cumin, juniper, peppermint, and raspberry. The end of the volume contains some herbal and medicinal bitters. There are two paper covers for the volume provided by Leopold's son Hugo Bobrek. The outer cover is a fashioned from a printed advertisement for Bobrek's business including "H. Bobrek, Arkhitekt, Tel Aviv" on the inside center. The outer cover provides a handwritten title and attribution of Leopold Bobrek's work. The inner paper wrapper stitched to the work is made from a mailing envelope and preserves what appears to be the original front cover of the volume. Notes written in blue pencil by Hugo Bobrek state that the volume traveled with him to Israel in 1933.