French Country Cooking.: Decorated by John Minton.

London: John Lehmann Ltd,, 1951. Devote all the time and resources at your disposal to the building up of a fine kitchen First edition, first impression, of the author's landmark second book, written while rationing was still in force. Elizabeth David (1913-1992) taught herself Mediterranean-style cooking while living abroad during the early 1940s, and in 1949 she began writing a food column for Harper's Bazaar. Her first book, A Book of Mediterranean Food, was published to wide acclaim the following year, and she is now recognized for her profound influence on British culinary culture. "David was the best writer on food and drink this country has ever produced. When she began writing in the 1950s, the British scarcely noticed what was on their plates at all, which was perhaps just as well. Her books and articles persuaded her readers that food was one of life's great pleasures, and that cooking should not be a drudgery but an exciting and creative act. In doing so she inspired a whole generation not only to cook, but to think about food in an entirely different way" (ODNB). Francis John Minton (1917-1957) studied in France, after which he moved back the UK to teach; his pupils included Peter Blake and Bridget Riley. He continued to be a prolific artist, especially in the realm of book illustration. Octavo. Original grey cloth, spine lettered in gilt on brown background. With dust jacket, designed by Minton. Frontispiece, title vignette, and illustrations to the text, all by Minton. Errata slip to p. xi. Jacket bright, spine panel a little toned, chips to corners, closed tears to head of folds, neat tape repair to verso, unclipped: a fine copy in a very good jacket. Artemis Cooper, Writing at the Kitchen Table: The Authorized Biography of Elizabeth David, 2011.