Grimod de la Reynière - Manuel des Amphitryons - 1808

GRIMOD DE LA REYNIÈRE. Manuel des Amphitryons ; containing a Treatise on the Dissection of Meats at the Table, the Nomenclature of the Latest Menus for each season, and Elements of Gourmet Politeness.
Paris, Capelle et Renand, 1808; 8vo, marbled calf, decorated smooth spine, title piece in red morocco, gilded chain around the framing of the plates, marbled edges (binding of the period).

384 pp. 1 frontispiece and 16 plates outside the text, most folding.

Rare and highly sought-after first edition of Grimod de la Reynière’s best work (1758-1838), the extravagant gastronome regarded as the “creator of gourmand literature” (Oberlé). It is divided into three parts. The first is devoted to the carving of meats: wild boar, pork, poularde and capon, woodcock, ortolan, turbot, etc. The second part is a treatise offering a selection of different menus according to the seasons for meals of 15, 25 or 60 covers. The last part contains profitable elements of gourmet politeness, the seating of guests and conversation, in the manner of tasting wines.

Oberlé, 135. – Dartois, 324. – Vicaire, 427. – Bitting, 203.

Some minor aesthetic flaws to the binding, discreet foxing, a light angular damp stain on about twenty leaves. Very fine copy in period binding, well complete with pages 357 to 380 (alphabetical and reasoned index), which are often missing. A portrait of Grimod after Dunan added.