Written in the style of the recently deceased 'literary' gastronomic author Dr Kitchiner, there are more classical references (often in Latin) and 'witty' comments then recipes.  The appendices which are half the text, contain no recipes but much unusual commentary littered with classical allusions.  Herodotus and Suetonious feature more frequently than Carême or for that matter any recent or contemporary professional confectioner (actually none are referred to).  Surrounded by classical anecdotes and impractical observations, many of the recipes are best described as guidelines, which a professional confectioner could use, but can hardly be described as "the best receipts" or "receipts for desserts on the most economical plan for private families".

 The Confectioner's Oracle was  the sixth book on confectionery written during the nineteenth century to be associated with Gunters of Berkeley Square (the others by Nutt, Jarrin, Jeanes, Abbott, and Barnes).  Whereas the others are all serious often detailed manuals for professional confectionery, each running to multiple editions, there is only one edition of this somewhat odd and unusual book. 

Who William Gunter was is unclear.  Gunters of Berkeley Square was the most significant London confectioner during the late Georgian and Regency periods, holding a Royal Warrant and being a regular haunt of the 'ton'.  Originally opened as Negri's, James Edward Gunter (1731-1819) became a partner and then the sole owner. After his death in 1819 his only son Robert Gunter (1783-1852) took over the business.  No record could be found of William Gunter's involvement in the confectionery trade either at Gunters or elsewhere.  It has been suggested that the author was the younger son of James².  Unfortunately, there were several James in the extended Gunter family.  There is no obvious connection between Gunters and the author, although it is much implied in the book.  On balance, the text was probably written by one of James Gunter's cousins or nephews (who apparently were also in the confectionery business with their own premises, but not with the reputation of Gunters of Berkeley Square).

The claimed connection with Dr Kitchiner also raises many questions.  Gunters is not mentioned in The Cook's Oracle nor is any Gunter known to have been either a member of the "Committee of Taste" or an acquaintance of the Doctor.

Droll, distinctly odd and rare in any format.  An unusual and scarce work on Georgian and Regency confectionery and ices.

¹  Also listed in Cook's Books Catalogue 55, 1991.
²  David, Elizabeth. Harvest of the Cold Months. London : Michael Joseph 1994, pps 356-364;  all records perused including the ODNB record for James Gunter state that he only had one son - Robert.