The Handbook of Dining or How To Dine, Theoretically, Philosophically, and Historically Considered
London: Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, & Roberts, 1859. First English edition. Hardcover. Small Octavo. xv, ix-xi, 244, 24pp. Original black, pebbled cloth with cream polka dots on covers and spine, gilt lettering on spine, protected by modern mylar. Orange endpapers.
Simpson's influential though abridged English version of Brillat-Savarin's famous treatise on dining "Physiologie Du Gout," considered to be one of the most influential text in the history of gastronomy, includes the famous quote "animals feed, man eats; the man of intellect alone knows how to eat." Simpson's attempt to improve English manners at the dining table strays from the original. Simpson's text and Savarin's preface though condensed are an earnest, charming attempt to improve the table manners of his countrymen. Simpson: 'It is a melancholy fact that London does not know "HOW TO EAT!" It is precisely on this account that I wish to improve their dinner, they eat too much, and they drink too much, which is worse; and their dinners are monotonous. They want reform! But here is my Reform Bill!" Binding with light wear at head and tail of spine. Slightly starting at inside gutters. Small Ex-Libris on front free endpaper and small dealer sticker on inside back cover. Miniscule sporadic foxing. Very good condition. Item #56096
Price: $275.00