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1950 rare signed first edition, Gourmet, Inc. (New York), 7 1/2 x 10 1/4 inches tall x 2 3/4 inches thick red hardcover, no dust jacket, gilt design and lettering to front cover and spine, index, 781 pp. The first edition of this work, with no subsequent printings listed on the copyright page. On the half title page, nicely signed by the publisher of this cookbook and the founding publisher of Gourmet Magazine (inaugural issue in January 1941), Earle R. MacAusland (1890?1980). Slight soiling, rubbing and edgewear to covers, especially the tips and spine caps. Prior owner name in gilt to front cover. Slight staining to page edges. A few pages, including the title page, with slight marginal soiling. Otherwise, a clean and unmarked copy of the first edition of what became a classic American cookbook. Note that this is a heavy and oversized book, so additional postage will be required for international or priority orders. ~SP22~ [5.0P] The average 'Gourmet' recipe is seldom startlingly new to knowing palates; it is often a modern adaptation of what was cooking hundreds of years ago. The Chinese were adept at the culinary art centuries before the Western Hemisphere was even guessed at. Italian master chefs took their skills and skillets to France, where there began to develop, in the sixteenth century, probably the greatest national cuisine the world has ever known. Some of the best eating came from the humblest kitchens, where steaks and chops were not familiar items. But imagination soon became the hallmark of thrifty provincial cooking, and it was proved that simple food, blessed with love and attention, is worthy of any gourmet's time and taste. Dozens of other countries, millions of other cooks, have contributed to the world's recipe file. There are many of their recipes scattered throughout 'The Gourmet Cookbook', though the majority are French and American. They are simple, intermediate, and complex. In any art, the true amateur's skill must be challenged and intrigued, and the art of Gasterea, the goddess of gastronomy, is no exception. Contents: Bon appétit! / Earle R. MacAusland; Memo to the cook; Hors-d'oeuvre; An honest loaf; Mighty grains; Song of the soup kettle; The egg and the epicure; Au fromage; Salad ways; Greengroceries; Fish unlimited; Poultry in the pot; Man's meat; Game for gourmets; Pack, seal, and store; Dozens of sauces; Le soufflé; Pancakes and fritters; Sweet talk; La pâtisserie; Cult of the chafing dish; A cup of tea; Sauce sampler. Seller Inventory # SP22-0642-14593
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