Mastering the Art of French Cooking: Volumes 1 & 2.

CHILD, Julia; Simone Beck; Louisette Bertholle.

$12,000.00

Item Number: 147888

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1961-70.

First editions of both volumes of this classic cook book. Quarto, 2 volumes, original illustrated boards. Volume one is boldly signed and inscribed by the author on the half-title page, “Bon Appetit to Ernesta- Julia Child” and additionally signed by Paul Child. Volume two is signed and inscribed by Julia Child on the half-title page, “Joyeaux Noel to Ernesta- Julia Child” and additionally signed by Paul Child. Drawings by Sidonie Coryn. Drawings by Paul Child. Typography, binding and jacket design by Warren Chappell. Each are near fine in near fine dust jackets, with first volume price-clipped dust jacket. An exceptional set, rare signed in both volumes and in this condition.

Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking is arguably the most influential work on French food ever published in the United States. A "self-confessed ham, she became a darling of audiences almost from the moment she made her debut in 1963 at the age of 50" (New York Times).