Published by Lecram Press, Paris, 1927
Seller: Babylon Revisited Rare Books, Northampton, MA, U.S.A.
First Edition
First Edition. Small octavo, original illustrated boards, 110 pages, illustrated. A very uncommon cocktail collection with only four library holdings found on WorldCat. Mcelhone was a defining figure in early 20th-century bartending, most famous for his role at Harry's New York Bar (in Paris), which he bought in 1923. He worked at Ciro's Club in Deauville and the Plaza Hotel New York. He is often credited with inventing many cocktails, including the Bloody Mary, Sidecar, the Monkey Gland, the White Lady, and an early form of the French 75. "Barflies and Cocktails conveys a whiskey-addled sense of zany humor that seems tied to the Roaring Twenties, when the book was first published. The running conceit of the book has to do with the fictional association of International Bar Flies, the rules of which include the admonition that, "Those seeing cerise cats with purple ears should keep it to themselves." [Peter Meehan. New York Times, 2008] This copy inscribed at title page "Best wishes / Harry". I can not locate another McElhone signature to compare this inscription to, but we have no reason to believe its not authentic. A Good copy, lacks last leaf (111/112) which is an ad for The Boulevardier and photo illustration of Harry's Bar, cracked at front hinge (likely repairable), some lower page corners a bit dog-eared.
Published by Lecram Press, Paris, 1927
Seller: Back Creek Books LLC, ABAA/ILAB, Annapolis, MD, U.S.A.
First Edition
Black and white photos, cartoons by Wynn (illustrator). First edition. An important and scarce cocktail mixing guide by one of the 20th century's most influential bartenders, Harry McElhone. Harry had tended bar at the Plaza in New York and Ciro's in London before opening his own place in Paris. "Harry's New-York Bar," as it was called, was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway and other American ex-pats. Harry is often credited with inventing several cocktails including the Bloody Mary, the sidecar, and the boulevardier. Illustrated throughout with delightful drawings by Wynn Holcomb. Great period ads for liquor. There are also two black and white photos of scenes inside Harry's bar. There is an inscription dated Paris, Dec. 6 1927 on front free endpaper, along with two prior owner names. The last is dated Paris, July 1928. A nice copy of this historic mixing guide from 1920s Paris. OCLC locates just 3 copies. Professionally rebacked with plain cloth spine. Minor extremity wear to boards with a few old scattered stains. Binding sound. Hardcover. 6 1/4" high. [iv], 112 pages.