FRENCH COUNTRY COOKING (First edition - second impression)

Elizabeth David

Published by John Lehmann Ltd., London, 1952

About this Item

A second impression of the true first edition, published in January 1952. The book was first published in September 1951. The author's second book, published after the success of "A Book of Mediterranean Food". Dustwrapper design and internal line drawings by John Minton. ***A near fine copy in fawn cloth-covered boards with gilt titles on a maroon decorated spine block. The boards are clean and unmarked, having been protected by the dustwrapper. No bumps, creases or tears to the cloth. Corners sharp. No reading lean to the binding. Spine tight. Internally also near fine, with no inscriptions or annotations. Pages surprisingly clean for a cookery book - no stains or foxing. ***In a very good colour-illustrated dustwrapper, which has not been price-clipped, and retains the original publisher's printed price of 12s. 6d. net. The dustwrapper correctly states 'second impression'. Whilst the dustwrapper is largely complete, there is some loss at the top and bottom of the spine, but this doesn't affect the lettering. There is also slight loss at the top edge of the front panel and top corner tip of the foldover. The spine of the dustwrapper is remarkably clean - just slightly rubbed at the edges. The attractive dustwrapper presents very well, and the majority of the excellent John Minton illustration is complete and bright. ***203mm x 135mm. 247 pages including a comprehensive Index at the back of the book. ***'"A remarkable book --- Here, indeed, is another world from ours. It knows nothing of the ready-packaged product, the five-second whip-up; here food is treated with reverence, with understanding and, above all, with care. But the recipes, as the title makes clear, are not mainly concerned with dishes of exquisite and prodigal refinement; many of them have a fine hearty background and should not be beyond the power of the most moderate performer."' - Elizabeth Nicholas in The Sunday Times (Review quote taken from the front flap of the dustwrapper) ***An early second impression of the original John Lehmann first edition of Elizabeth David's classic and iconic French cookery title, in its original John Minton designed dustwrapper, in very presentable condition. Of interest to collectors of Elizabeth David's books, and to chefs and cooks and anyone interested in French Country Cooking. Copies of Elizabeth David's cookery books in such nice collectable condition are few and far between now, as the majority were used as 'working' cookery books in the kitchen. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc.

Seller Inventory # 8807

Bibliographic Details

• Title: FRENCH COUNTRY COOKING (First edition - second impression)
• Publisher: John Lehmann Ltd., London
• Publication Date: 1952
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: John Minton
• Edition: First Edition
• Printing: Second Impression
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • First Editions
  • Illustrated