A New System of DOMESTIC COOKERY;

New York: R. M'Dermut & D.D. Arden, 1814. Hardcover. Brown calf, red spine label. Good. 316 pages. 18.5 x 11 cm. [9 plates]. An interesting copy of this first New York edition - it is one of those odd copies with some printing irregularities that make it just a little more appealing. Originally this copy SHOULD have 8 plates but this imprint has two #1 plates which is fortunate as the first is torn at the bottom and the second is intact. The other charming addition to this copy is the stamped/embossed exlibris of Mario Ruspoli (1925-1986), the director and actor who was also a gastronomist. The book, as the story is told, was originally conceived by Mrs. Rundell while collecting receipts of cookery and household management for the benefit of her married daughters. After sending the manuscript to John Murray, an old family friend, it was published and became an immense success. Rundell modestly claimed that her book was not only essential to the "modern" middle-class housewife but a gift to the public. Newspaper article from 1815 pasted in on interior of back cover featuring receipts for making the "delicious ginger wine" and "to prevent bugs & worms from infesting young cucumbers". Page 213 displays "231. Previous owner "America Sidney Wilson" signed on title page and back cover. Lacking rear free end paper. Bookseller's label from W. Essex & Son, Lexington (Kentucky) pasted in on interior of front board. Front board cleanly detached but undamaged. Interior lightly foxed with some soiling. [LOWENSTEIN 65].