Mastering the Art of French Cooking (2 Volume Box Set): A Cookbook Boxed set - 2009

About this book

From the rear cover

Mastering The Art of French Cooking is for both seasoned cooks and beginners who love good food and 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 more than 100 instructive illustrations, is revolutionary in its approach.

From the jacket flap

Revised edition of the classic cookbook, originally published in 1961.

First edition identification

The first edition of the first volume, published in 1961 by Knopf in patterned white boards and a blue and white pictorial jacket states "First edition" on the copyright page. The first of the second volume was not published until 1970 in similarly patterned boards and a dark blue and white jacket, and also states "First Edition" on the copyright page. Both are highly collectible, and as with most cookbooks, copies in nice condition with a jacket are uncommon. Childs' signature adds considerable value to each and in fact even early printings can be quite valuable with the authors' signatures.