Part of the problem there is that food photography and color photography were both learning the ropes in 1939.
But notice I only said PART of the problem!
The brisket in phlegm and regurgitated lima beans over steak were just AWFUL!
Not to mention that no one on the staff of the book ever heard of trimming the fat off of Prime Rib!
I've always felt that site has some of the best design I've ever seen. Not only is the subject great, but it comes in a nice package, too.