Johanna Friederika Henriette Katharina Davidis[1] (1 March 1801[2] in Wengern – 3 April 1876 in Dortmund) was a German cookbook writer.

This was rooted in the conviction that being a housewife was a demanding activity in its own right for which young women of the middle class emerging at the time were frequently ill-prepared.

While authoring her books Davidis first worked as a home economist, teacher, and governess, but later on concentrated exclusively on writing.

Although her books, in particular Praktisches Kochbuch which had reached its 21st edition when she died, were hugely successful even during her lifetime, she had to live very modestly and only at the age of 74 years was able to afford her own flat.

[5] Ernst Heinrich Davidis had been ordained in 1780 in Amsterdam, had been working for nine years as a garrison's preacher in the Dutch town of Breda before accepting a posting as assistant vicar in Wengern.

Following her confirmation, Davidis in 1816 left her parents' house and moved in with her older sister Elisabeth who lived in Schwelm, then also part of the Kingdom of Prussia.

Reliable and self-tested Recipes for the ordinary and refined Kitchen) was published, followed in 1847 and 1848 by Arrangements zu kleinen und größeren Gesellschaften and Praktische Anweisung zur Bereitung des Roßfleisches (Arrangements for smaller and larger parties/Practical instruction for the preparation of horse meat), both later merged into Praktisches Kochbuch.

During those years she seems to have decided, possibly inspired by the cookbook's success, to write a more comprehensive home economics manual, in addition merely a book of recipes, as well as educational essays for young girls and women.

Practical instruction for self-reliant and economical housekeeping), which was the final volume in her educational program for young housewives.