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[Rundell, Maria Eliza Ketelby]. A New System of Domestic Cookery; formed upon Principles of Economy and adapted to the use of Private Families.

$400.00

6], xx, 290 pp. Illus. with copper-engraved frontis. depicting a woman in her larder. Period calf, morocco spine label. London: John Murray, 1806.

While living in Swansea in 1806, Mrs. Rundell collected numerous culinary recipes, as well as hints for household management, for the use of her married daughters. She decided to send the manuscript to the publisher, John Murray (1778–1843), who happened to be an old family friend. Murray suggested the title ‘Domestic Cookery,’ had the work carefully revised by competent editors, among whom was Dr. Charles Taylor, of the Society of Arts, and added engravings. It was published as ‘A New System of Domestic Cookery’ in 1806, and had an immense success. Five to ten thousand copies were printed yearly. Mrs. Rundell died, aged 83, at Lausanne, on 16 Dec. 1828. 

Rubbing to extremities, otherwise a very good copy of the rare first edition.