(Mexican) Diana Kennedy. The Cuisines of Mexico. SIGNED!

Foreword by Craig Claiborne. Illus. with drawings by Sidonie Coryn and from photographs. Jacket. First Revised Edition. NY: Harper & Row, [1972].

Warmly inscribed & signed by Diana Kennedy to Catherine Pantsios on the half-title, with an incredibly rare compliment. Pantsios was a chef who worked at Chez Panisse and other fine restaurants; while in Mexico, she became Kennedy's kitchen assistant during cooking classes Kennedy taught. In her inscription, Kennedy thanks Catherine for being "an 'over qualified' assistant," which is a nearly unique statement from Kennedy, who was highly critical of almost everyone! This is her iconic book about the regional foods of Mexico, with recipes and cultural contexts. Usual fading to jacket spine, else very good.