Description
The Accomplished COOK: or, The Art and Mystery of Cookery.
This is an extremely rare Colonial cookbook, “The Accomplished Cook, The Art & Mystery of Cookery”. This book was first published in England in 1660 by Robert May. Robert was born in 1588 and died around 1665. At a young age May was sent to Paris by his father’s employer for five years to become a chef. May worked for many households of English nobility. The last published edition during his lifetime was in 1665 and we believe this to be a 1665 edition since some of Robert May’s activities and current address are mentioned in the book. The fore end sheet is inscribed with the name “Justina Wolley, 1726” and “Elisa Bull, Her book, 1726”. This may be American ownership. Numerous photographs are shown for representative chapters. The book has been lovingly cared for and has had some restoration over the years to the end sheets, binding, and the spine. The title page is missing. Pages from the glossary are torn or gone. The Dedicatory is dated September 29, 1664. This book is the reference for many historical museums such as Plymouth Plantation. The book is 4 ¼ inches x 6 5/8 inches x 1 ½ inch thick. 461 numbered pages. Edges quite worn near back of book. Some stains but contents,especially interior are clean and bright. This book was recently found in a historical area in Maine. This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the rarest books on historical cooking. It has been estimated that fewer than 200 books were printed of the later editions.
This book is in need of professional restoration but is a really nice survivor
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