The COOK'S ORACLE

Edinburgh: Robert Cadell, 1838. Hardcover. Green morocco half bound, raised bands, gilt-tooled spine. Very good. [i-iv] 424 pages. 16.5 x 11 cm. The author, William Kitchiner M.D. (1775-1827), was a wealthy physician of London who did not practice his profession but was a food, science, and music enthusiast. An early devotee of mastication (Masticate, denticate, chump, grind, and swallow), Kitchiner purportedly did most of his own cooking and cleaning. First published in 1817, this extensive guide for the domestic cook took the UK and US by storm, making Kitchiner a household name and an inspiration for many later cookbook authors, including Mrs. Beeton who lifted a number of her recipes directly from his book. Owner's inscription on rear front end paper. Rebound, marbled end papers.