The Epicurean: A Complete Treatise of Analytical and Practical Studies on the Culinary Art. 1920.
Chicago: John Willy, Publisher, 443 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., 1920. Bound in green and brown cloth.
11 × 8½ in.
1,183 pp.
English
Very Good / Good. Charles Ranhofer. The Epicurean: A Complete Treatise of Analytical and Practical Studies on the Culinary Art. 1920.
Publisher: John Willy, Publisher, 443 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
11 × 8½ in.
1,183 pp.
English
Very Good
First published in 1893, The Epicurean is one of the most important cookbooks ever produced in America. Charles Ranhofer was the head chef at Delmonico's Restaurant in New York from 1862 to 1896, the most celebrated dining establishment of the Gilded Age, and this book represents the full record of his professional knowledge and the culinary achievements of that kitchen. It contains more than 3,500 recipes covering every course from soups, sauces, and garnishes through meats, seafood, eggs, vegetables, and desserts, along with guidance on table and wine service, marketing, and a selection of actual Delmonico's bills of fare from 1862 to 1894. This 1920 printing was issued posthumously, Ranhofer having died in 1899, with the copyright held by his widow Rose Ranhofer. John Willy, listed as publisher on this copy, was the proprietor of The Hotel Monthly Press, the same Chicago operation that issued other copies of this edition under that imprint name, making the two publisher references one and the same. The book carries a contemporary presentation inscription on the front endpaper reading "To my best friend E. H. Edwards with best wishes, Fred R. Cabouch, 3/13/39."
Bound in green and brown cloth over boards with ornate blind-stamped borders, title and decorative device to the front board, and title to spine. Illustrated with 800 in-text and full-page plates.
Very good condition. Binding shows heavy shelf wear, fading, rubbing to the edges of the boards, the joints, and both the head and tail caps, with bumped and rubbed corners. A small chip to the front endpaper. Interior has some dog-eared pages, moderate foxing, and smudging in places from handling. Very Good. Item #117
Price: $120.00