Glasse, Hannah (1708–1770)
Glasse, Hannah (1708–1770)
English cook and author of one of the first British cookbooks. Born Hannah Allgood in London, England, in 1708; died in Newcastle in 1770; married Peter Glasse (a solicitor), before 1725; children: eight, four of whom died in infancy.
Married at a young age and the mother of eight children (four of whom died in infancy), Hannah Glasse won acclaim with The Art of Cookery made Plain and Easy, published in 1747, possibly the earliest guide to cookery and meal planning for the English housewife. Remaining in print until 1824, it was considered clear and concise for its day, offering recipes and even some medical advice. The ironical proverb attributed to her, "First catch your hare, then cook it," is not in The Art of Cookery, but was probably suggested by her words, "Take your hare when it is cased (skinned)." Other books by Glasse include The Compleat Confectioner (c. 1770), and The Servant's Director or House-keeper's Companion. Glasse may have also been a businesswoman; she was known as "Habit Maker" in Covent Garden to Augusta of Saxe Gotha , princess of Wales, and may have declared bankruptcy in 1754. She died in Newcastle at the age of 62.