THE BON VIVANT'S COMPANION OR HOW TO MIX DRINKS (SIGNED)
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1928. First Thus (Limited, Signed). Cloth-backed Boards. (Li), 169 (1) pages. The limited version: #47 of this edtion limited to 160 copies (150 for sale), printed on Navarre Rag Paper and SIGNED in ink by Herbert Asbury on the limitation page. Bookplate of Hollywood gadfly Jimmy Starr copied from Rudolph Valentino's gladiator bookplate, affixed to front pastedown. Mylar jacket; Slipcase with paper spine label. 6 1/2" x 9 3/4". Red cloth-backed green boards with gilt front cover vignette and gilt spine titling. Illustrated primarily from woodcuts from vintage newspapers, such as Leslie's Weekly, The Sporting Times and Under The Gaslight. Lengthly historical Introduction and other notes by Editor Herbert Asbury, author of "The Barbary Coast". Printed and bound by The Plimpton Press of Norwood, Mass. Index. A lenghty descriptive collection of cocktail and related recipes by Professor Jerry Thomas, "Formerly Principal Bartender at the Metropolitan Hotel, New York, and at the Planter's House, St. Louis." The Professor also bartended with distinction in Gold Rush-era San Francisco, where he introduced "The Blue Blazer", and in New Orleans. Some trivial edgwear but a Near Fine copy, in a clear mylar jacket, in a well-worn Good only original slipcase, heavily taped and with splits, and a chipped spine label (Still, it did its job to keep the book well-protected; it could be easily restored). ALWAYS FREE SHIPPING of our books via media mail to any United States address. Near Fine / Custom Clear Mylar; Slipcase. Item #1991
Price: $850.00