A Cordiall Water: A Garland of Odd and Old Receipts to Assuage the Ills of Man and Beast

by M.F.K. Fisher

Describes traditional remedies and folk medicines which have been prepared from Shakespeare's time to the present

Genres: Food, Nonfiction, Cooking, Folklore, Reference, How To, Cookbooks

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher was a prolific and well-respected writer, writing more than 20 books during her lifetime and also publishing two volumes of journals and correspondence shortly before her death in 1992. Her first book, Serve it Forth, was published in 1937. Her books deal primarily with food, considering it from many aspects: preparation, natural history, culture, and philosophy. Fisher believed that eating well was just one of the "arts of life" and explored the art of living as a secondary theme in her writing. Her style and pacing are noted elements of her short stories and essays.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was disappointed to find this short collection of folk remedies and personal experiences reflects Ms. Fisher’s charming prose but includes little of substance. Ms. Fisher’s writing sings, but the content falls short. The author believed apparently that some folks remedies may have validity; however, the author does not really develop her thesis or explore beyond the surface. The book offers mostly anecdotal evidence, and references to science are few and do not include any source information. If you’ve never read her, don’t start here – try one of her books about cooking or her memoirs.

“It is difficult to imagine how to tell a drunken leech from a sober one…”

From her account of eating a raw onion to cure a cold—
“From the shoulders up to the last hair on my head I buzzed like an agonized bee in every atom of my skin and flesh and bone. When I gasped, my husband whacked me and said ‘Good, good. That’s the way it should be. Clearing you out. Killing the germs. Excellent reaction. You’ll be fine before you know it.’ I was not…”

[Karlyne Landrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book and was very disappointed when I came to its end (especially since there were quite a few end papers, so I didn't realize I was coming to the end). The author not only informs you about what used to be believed and in some cases still is, but she then personalizes it with her own experiences and the experiences of people she knows. In fact, it's a powerful book, now that I think about it, and not just an amusing read. M.F.K. Fisher was a powerful writer and is rapidly becoming a favorite of mine.

[P. Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

besides the bit about the guy stuffing cobwebs into an open wound i want to try out most of these remedies

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of thoughts on historical anecdotes about and personal experiences with folk medicine. It's just as well-written as all MFK Fisher's other essay books; the prose is concise and full of personality, the chapters are short, interesting, and complete, and the piece works together as a thematic whole. I'm not exactly as interested in this topic as I am in food, but that's ok. Well done.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love MFK Fisher, and this slight volume is a wonderful collection of essays highlighting the healing powers of food within Fisher's memory, and the historical records of the benefits of various "receipts" (that's recipes for anyone not versed in 15th century vernacular). It's lovely, extremely interesting, and a small but wonderful morsel to put on one's bookshelf.

[Fishface · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pleasant reading but could have been much longer. There are so MANY weird old recipes to treat ailments floating around...These are just the ones MFK Fisher came across in her reading and travels.

[Dottie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amusing little book -- look for an edition with outstanding illustrations to go along with the text. I'm a fan of all things M.F.K. Fisher.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet little book about folk medicine.

[Abby]

Not riveting...probably just not anthropological enough for my liking. I wish there was more context for some of these recipes.

[Doc · Rating 5 out of 5]

gracefully, and at time puckishly, written accounts of folk medicine

[Elizabeth Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Fisher's lesser known works. Such a joy and a comfort. I turn to this in grim times.