Loftus's New Mixing and Reducing Book

This is an antique copy of "Loftus's New Mixing and Reducing Book" by William Loftus. Circa 1868/1869 (there is no date of publication stated); William R. Loftus; London. "For the Use of Publicans (pub/tavern owners) and Spirit Dealers and Retailers in General." At the back of the book is a 24-page supplement showcasing equipment made by the W.R. Loftus manufacturing company, which includes many detailed illustrations. The contents are as follows: Introductory Observations; Gin; Brandy; Rum; Whiskey; Cordials and Liqueurs; Reducing-Tables; Brief Hints on the Management of Spirits in General. Small in size - the book measures 6 5/8" tall x 4 3/8" wide.

From the Preface: "No work of any originality or degree of usefulness in the mixing and management of spirits having issued from the press for the last fifty years, this treatise has been prepared with a view to supply, as far as possible, what must be felt to be a great want by Publicans and others in the retail spirit trade.

Condition:
Clean front cover and spine; there are some small areas on the back cover where the brown cloth has faded a bit. Tiny cloth tear at the left edge of the spine; tiny cloth tears at the top and bottom edges of the spine. Tight binding with no loose pages. Contents page viii has pulled from the spine 1" up from the bottom edge (the page is otherwise securely attached). Both covers are firmly attached. Nice interior - the pages are clean with only some very light occasional foxing. Light soiling to the end papers and pastedowns. Overall the book is in Very Good- condition.