Rare Books, Wine, and Food: The Perfect Pairing

Irma Rombauer, The Joy of Cooking, First Edition, Signed First Edition, Rare Book

First Edition of Irma Rombauer’s The Joy of Cooking Signed by the Author

At Raptis Rare Books, we love to throw parties. This week we had a lovely blind wine tasting, along with a wine and book exchange. Like an aged Cabernet and high quality steak, books about wine and food go together seamlessly and are some of the most popular books to give as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries or other special events. We have several rare books featuring delicious recipes and delightful wines.

Irma Rombauer’s The Joy of Cooking has become the most authoritative cookbook in America, a book that has been passed from generation to generation since its first publication in 1931. We have a first edition from 1931 as well as a first edition from the 1943 edition of the cookbook, which has been signed by Rombauer. Do you know someone graduating from culinary school or want to get your daughter a special gift she will carry with her forever? The Joy of Cooking is the perfect choice and remains a staple in home cooking even in the 21st century.

Another classic and authoritative name in home cooking is Julia Child. Her books The French Chef Cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and The Way to Cook have become household names and permanent fixtures on bookshelves throughout the United States. We have Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volumes 1 and 2, which are inscribed by Julia Child and Simone Beck. Both copies are in excellent condition, in dust jackets that show only light wear. This an extremely rare find and the perfect addition to any chef’s collection. Our first edition of The French Chef Cookbook is also signed and inscribed by Julia Child and is in great condition. Our copy of The Way to Cook, which was Child’s second large compilation of recipes after Mastering the Art of French Cooking, is in great condition.

Julia Child, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, First Edition, Signed First Edition, Rare Book

First Edition of Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volumes 1 & 2, signed by Child and Beck.

Our collection of rare cookbooks also includes a first edition of The New England Butt’ry Shelf Cookbook, which is signed by the illustrator and inscribed by the author. We also have a first edition of The Classic Italian Cookbook: The Art of Italian Cooking and the Italian Art of Eating that is signed by the author on the title page. Also from Marzella Hazan a first edition of More Classic Italian Cooking.

Pair any of these fine, unique cookbooks with our first edition of Bordeaux: The Definitive Guide for the Wines Produced Since 1961 for a thoughtful gift for the food and wine enthusiast. Looking for a French-themed pair? Collect Mastering the Art of French Cooking with our first edition of The Noble Grapes and the Great Wines of France.

Whether you are a wine or food enthusiast, collecting rare and unique copies of classic cookbooks is a great way to commemorate your interest and also pass your love on to those around you.