James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
820 Madison Drive MSC 1706 Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807 Telephone: (540) 568-3612 library-special@jmu.edu URL: https://www.lib.jmu.edu/special/
Tiffany Cole
Repository
James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
Identification
SC 0351
Title
Abraham's Table manuscript between 1983-2012
Quantity
0.50 cubic feet, 2 boxes
Creator
Theodore, Crystal, 1917-2012
Language
English
.
Abstract
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 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.
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.
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.