Mastering the Art of French Cooking (First Printing, August, 1961) by Child, Julia; Bertholle, Louisette; Beck, Simone - 1961

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1961. Stated First Edition; Note About Authors dated August, 1961. Ultra-rare first printing in original wrapper. Signed by Julia Child on signature cuts lightly adhered at front endpaper: "Bon Appétit, Julia Child". Very attractive. Includes J.S.A. or James Spence Authentication with small label below signatures and certification card with number AA75831. This may be confirmed at their site. Patterned fleur-de-lis boards w/turquoise stars, black and white cover and spine titles on orange fields, moderate shelf wear, spine sunning. Pages generally very good, clean; light page roll to lower interior coner. Small signature penned at half-title page: "Sandler". Turquoise endpapers. Orange top-stain, some discoloration. Bind good, square; hinges intact. Original dust wrapper, bright with moderate chip, rub, wear; clipped, protected in new clear sleeve. Code 10/61 at front flap. Near good first printing in same wrapper. "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" is for both seasoned cooks and beginners who love good food & long to reproduce at home the savory delights of the classic cuisine, from the historic Gallic masterpieces to the seemingly artless perfection of a dish of spring-green peas. This beautiful book, with over 100 instructive illustrations, is revolutionary in its approach because: It leads the cook infallibly from the buying and handling of raw ingredients, through each essential step of a recipe, to the final creation of a delicate confection. It breaks down the classic cuisine into a logical sequence of themes and variations rather than presenting an endless and diffuse catalogue of recipes; the focus is on key recipes that form the backbone of French cookery and lend themselves to an infinite number of elaborations bound to increase anyone's culinary repertoire. 684 pages w/32 page index and a Note About the Author. Insured post.. Signed by Author. First Edition. Hardcover. Good/Good. Illus. by Coryn, Sidonie (Illustrations). 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Book.