Antique Cookery Encyclopaedia in 8 Volumes - Superbly Illustrated

In very good condition, here is a superb eight-volume complete set of The Encyclopaedia of Cookery. A significant historical culinary resource, reflecting the sophisticated dining and cooking standards of the late Victorian era. Undated, but published in the 1890s by Upcott, Gill of London. Extremely comprehensive and richly illustrated throughout with diagrams, fold-outs and some excellent colour plates (see photos), Beautifully bound, and the pages are gilt edged on all sides.

I can only find one other example of a complete set. It is more expensive and not in such good condition as this one.

As well as the very attractive binding, a notable feature of this work are the extensive illustrations, including numerous in-text engravings and multiple full-page plates demonstrating techniques and presentation. The illustrations were provided by well-regarded artists of the period, including Harry Furniss and George Cruikshank. They really are good. Some of the cheeses on one of the plates look real!

Inside the pages are very good indeed. Clean, bright and tightly bound, with just the occasional brown blemish and light spotting. Has a name to the top of the front free endpapers of several volumes, and to the top of the title page of one volume. Otherwise, no other writing or markings of previous ownership. All of the plates are in top order. Has one slight split to the edge of the first frontispiece where it is attached at the margin. With subjects and ingredients listed alphabetically. Index to the final volume. All edges are shiny gilt.

Dark red cloth over boards have ornate black stamped decoration in Art Nouveau style to the fronts and spines, and gilt titles. Again in top order. The boards are all superb - clean and smart. With some mild fading to the reds on the spines and a little rubbing also to the spines - but minor. Rubbing to the cloth on the spine ends with a few volumes having some small loss to the cloth on the very ends (see close-up photo). Overall very smart indeed. A stunning set.

Your antique collection of The Encyclopaedia of Cookery will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged. I am always happy to add a gift card with a message to the parcel.

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Each book H 29 cm x W 24 cm, combined weight 11.5 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. (There are just a very few countries which I am unable to ship to).

* If you would prefer for your books not to be decoratively wrapped and sent simply in the full protective packaging please add a note to the order.

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