Simple Cooking Precepts for a Little House. With a Preface by Joseph Conrad.

Conrad's preface to his wife's cookery book, here published on its own in advance of the latter. Edition limited to 100 copies, signed and numbered by the author. Jessie's book was subsequently published in 1923. With a distinguished provenance, from the libraries of collectors Estelle Doheny and Barry Humphries, with their bookplates. Housed in a cloth chemise and morocco backed slipcase, lettered in gilt on spine. 8vo., pp. 4, in original printed wrappers. Offset from Doheny's leather book label to upper wrapper otherwise a very good copy. Joseph Conrad's prefatory notes include a charming billet doux to his wife Jessie, "The general consideration, and also a feeling of benevolent interest with which I am accustomed to view all the actions of the writer, prompt me to set down these few words of introduction for her book. Without making myself responsible for her teaching (I own that I find it impossible to read through a cookery book), I come forward modestly, but gratefully, as a living example of her practice. That practice I dare pronounce impeccable. It has been for more than fifteen years adding to the sum of my daily happiness.".…