Beeton.   Isabella Mary     - 1st Edition - 1st issue.
The Book of Household Management
Comprising information for the MISTRESS, HOUSEKEEPER, COOK, KITCHEN-MAID, BUTLER, FOOTMAN, COACHMAN, VALET, UPPER AND UNDER HOUSE-MAIDS, LADY'S MAID, MAID-OF-ALL-WORK, LAUNDRY-MAID, NURSE AND NURSE-MAID, MONTHLY, WET AND SICK NURSES, ETC.ETC. ALSO SANITARY, MEDICAL AND LEGAL MEMORANDA; WITH A HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN, PROPERTIES, AND USES OF ALL THINGS CONNECTED WITH HOME LIFE AND COMFORT. BY MRS ISABELLA BEETON. "Nothing lovelier can be found in woman, than to study household good".-Milton. LONDON: S.O. BEETON, 248, STRAND, W.C. 1861.
FIRST EDITION, First issue. Thick 8vo. 2feps. Double chromo-lithographed frontispiece and elaborate title page with the Bouverie St address. Additional Title Page. [1] [iv-iv] [1] [vi-xxxix] including analytical index. [1] 2-1112. 2feps. 12 Colour plates. Original maroon half calf with maroon cloth boards and calf tips with gilt lines. Contemporary ornate gilt tooled spine relaid, with one panel used for book title. Faded gilt to page edges Overall slightly rubbed and faded but still very good. Clean internally with overall slight browning due to age. A handsome copy.
- Various editions of Beeton's cookery books are fairly numerous -- online, in auctions and in book-fairs, and the two issues of the first edition are far from rare, (although the first issue is very scarce) but they continue to maintain high prices, and are much sought after. This is accounted for by their far-reaching fame, and the fact that they are one of the most attractive cookery books ever published. Their famous double chromo-lithographed frontispiece and elaborate colourful first title page, additional second title page, the unique colour plates, dozens of page illustrations, comprehensive recipes, and chapters on all aspects of household management, are a great and true reflection of Victorian values, style and endeavor. "The Book of Household Management' was originally issued by Isabella in 24 monthly parts from 1859-61. The 24 parts, unlike the books are extremely rare. The book is a relatively small, but fat octavo, and holds a place in collectors affections that possibly other cookery books do not.

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Antiquarian category
ref number: 10912