A Handbook of Cookery
London, UK: William Heinemann, 1923. Conrad, Jessie. A Handbook of Cookery: for a small house. (2nd Imp) William Heinemann: London, UK 1923. 8vo (195x130mm) HC, illustrated cloth bds [2],viii,[2],135,[1]pp. 2 satin markers VG/- lacks dj, lightly soiled, London: William Heinemann Ltd, 1923. Printed by Woods & Sons Ltd, London. Second Impression Octavo (195x130mm) white, grey & red cloth boards, [2],viii,[2],135,[1]pp; 2 satin ribbon markers. From the preface by her husband Joseph Conrad: “Of all the books produced...those only that treat of cooking are, from a moral point of view above suspicion. The intention of every other piece of prose may be discussed and even mistrusted; but the purpose of a cookery book is one and unmistakable. Its object can conceivably be no other than to increase the happiness of mankind.” And from the review in the Spectator June 22, 1923: “Charming preface by Joseph Conrad is a pleasant surprise in a cookery book. It is a good book, too: the directions are clear and simple, and we feel that if a recipe turned out badly we could put our failure down to only our own clumsiness and stupidity.” At the time of their marriage in 1886, some of Conrad’s acquaintance thought he was marrying beneath himself. Many later acknowledged Jessie’s steadfast competence and support as a contributing factor to the length and quality of Conrad’s writing career and the quality of his table when they visited. Conrad noted himself, in the introduction, that her cooking had added to his daily happiness for many priceless years.
Second-hand hardcover
CONRAD, Jessie [Emmeline, née George, (1873-1936)]
A Handbook of Cookery for a Small House
Lacks dustjacket; boards faintly soiled, light shelf-wear; spine lightly faded; binding slightly cracked at p.60 and p.124 but still tight; neat owner stamp to front free end paper; clean.
Item #9441
Price: $200.00 AUD