1896 cookbook

I came across this old cookbook in someones collection today. I'm not sure what language it is written in but the handwriting was beautiful. It seemed to me it had been discarded. I would like to have it but could not find the courage to ask if it was for sale or unwanted. So, I took this photo and laid it back in the pile and walked away. I wonder who it belonged to so long ago. I wish I had such a family treasure.