[Signed] Mastering the Art of French Cooking (signed by illustrator Sidonie Coryn + signed letter) Child, Julia & Simon Beck & Louisette Bertholle; S

Description

Alfred A. Knopf. New York. 1961. 684 pages + index. First edition, second printing stated, November 1961; only a couple of weeks after the first printing on October 16, 1961. A most rare and uncommon signed copy by the book's artist and illustrator, Sidonie Coryn. Sidonie Coryn signed her name underneath ""Illustrations by Sidonie Coryn"" printed on the page opposite the title page. Additionally, laid-in is a handwritten, signed letter from Sidonie Coryn on her personal stationary to a friend: Dear ___, / I really didn't forget -/Just a bit of inefficiency on my/ part- The book sold so fast / I couldn't keep up with it- / My best regards for a / Merry Christmas and a / Joyous New Year / to you and your wife- / Sidonie Coryn. Book is tight, bright and clean. Binding and hinges are strong and sound. Minor toning along panel edges. Turquoise endpapers are clean yet front endpaper is age-toned from laid-in paper. Slight darkening to backstrip. Original first issue DJ with Julia Child's name third in the pecking order on front; just above Sidonie Coryn's name. $10.00 price intact on flap. DJ shows open chip on upper right corner, chipping along rear flap fold, and spine of DJ is absent. A solid VG copy of the classic in a poor DJ; signed by the artist of the book's classic illustrations, in addition to a handwritten letter by the artist, commenting on how quickly the book took off. The rest of course is history as this book launched Julia Child's career and celebrity. Worth noting is this book is lauded for its helpful illustrations (Coryn's) and precise attention to detail, and for making fine cuisine accessible. Sixty plus years later, the book is still in print and is considered a seminal culinary masterwork. A much rarer offering than a signed Julia Child copy.