The year of 1914 in which this cookbook was released, represents a transition period in Canadian history. This is evidenced through events such as the First World War, the changing of the economy, as well as the altering of women’s place in the household. In August of 1914, as a part of the British Empire, Canada joined the First World War sending their first troops overseas in October of that year. At this point in time, Britain was still heavily invested economically in Canada, and there was little political autonomy from the Empire. Prior to the War in 1913, Canada was already facing a recession and a stalled economy. While the War brought some relief in the form of an expanded labour market and mechanization, it was not a perfect fix. Efforts to provide on the battle front did create jobs for the home front, but this requirement to provide for the war was taxing on the Canadian economy. While Canada experienced a population boom from 1900-1914 which represented a 40% populace increase, the war eventually led to a shortage of male workers on the Canadian home front. Classism became more prominent, in both labour and social circles. Those who could afford goods and services were separated from those who could not.

In 1911, 55% of the population still lived in rural areas, which represents a significant portion of Canadians. Due to this, it is important to note that many people reading the Magic Cook Book in this era would likely have been rural women. 1914 was a transition period for many of these women, as they were beginning to grow frustrated with the domestic drudgery of farm life and were wanting change. Women were not paid for their domestic work and had little autonomy from their husbands. In 1914, women’s rights movements were gaining traction, and women were moving away from the intensive farm work towards urban life and finding jobs in the manufacturing industry. While the cook book itself may not have been advertised towards rural women directly, it was largely intended for women who were in positions of homemaking, which would apply to many rural homes. As women began to work outside the home, these types of guides may have been less appealing as women were rationing in the times of the war, as well as looking for quicker recipes to fit their schedules. That being said, Gillett’s cook book did contain these types of recipes, with both cheaply bought ingredients being used as well as simple to make dishes. The Magic Baking Powder as advertised within the cookbook was a solution for many homes. It was a significant modernization that entered many Canadian households bringing more ease to baking. Before this product, there were household tricks used to leaven baking, but they were often too difficult to be useful or too costly for lower income families. Gillett’s Magic Baking Powder was medium-priced and did not contain any harmful ingredients, which represented an increasing concern in this time period. Food safety was of growing importance in the early twentieth century, and people wanted products that they felt were healthy and safe. These reasons made the baking powder the perfect pantry staple within busy family schedules.

Overall, the Magic Cook Book and Housekeepers Guide was released at a point in Canadian history that was facing rapid change. From the start of the First World War and its impact on the economy, to the changing face of women’s rights and attitudes, this particular edition of the book could not have been released at a better time. Canadians were looking for more ease in cooking during times of change, and the Magic Cook Book provides that.