The Automat: The History, Recipes, and Allure of Horn & ... (ISBN 0609610740)

I consider it a cook book:
Even if you have no interest in the history of the automat whatsoever, the recipes for American comfort food classics contained within are mostly great, and those that aren't are easily modified to taste. Everything is easy to prepare in large batches and it all keeps extremely well in the fridge, so you can cook yourself silly on the weekend and have leftovers throughout the week. Cheaper, better tasting, and healthier than any fast food you're likely to find. It's a darn shame these places went the way of the dodo, but if the economy keeps on crumbling maybe we'll get them back.

Wonderful History of Memories:
Lots of good memories of the Automats that I visited during my youth. Detailed history with lots of pictures.. Well worth being featured on the coffee table!

The Automat:
It is easy to be happy with this book. It brings memories of my life in Philadelphia. Especially knowing I was stationed at the firehouse at 10th and Cheery Sts, We were first in to the bakery and warehouse of Horn and Hardart. We went there several times a year for sprinkler alarms. While reading I could taste my favorite Hot Apple Pie with Vanilla sauce. Yum Yum

Nice book:
Just what I was looking for. A new Automat opened up in NYC about two weeks after I received the book. Will have to try it out.

Authentic recipes I don't know...but the history is excellent:
I have never eaten at an Automat but I learned about them as a child. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the Automat was born (a perfect reflection of the history of mechanization) and reading how our food tastes have changed. As to the recipes, I can not vouch for their authenticity as I have never eaten any Automat food. What I can vouch for is the the Mac and Cheese and Baked Custard recipes. Both are excellent authentic or not. I am not a great fan of Macaroni and Cheese but I do LOVE the recipe included in this book.