THE RELUCTANT COOK

London: Herbert Jenkins, 1957. Fifth Edition. Hardcover. Maroon cloth covered boards, illustrated in gilt. Near fine, in very good dust wrapper. 127 pages. 19 x 12 cm. Like MFK Fisher and Laurie Colwin, Etherlind Fearon designed this delightful book to be enjoyed not just for the recipes, but for the fun, witty, and engaging banter she brings to the kitchen. Laid in: Typed letter, addressed to Elizabeth David from the Langton Gallery, London. The writer, Robert S. Stuart, sent this book as a present acknowledging the ill-mannered attempt to gain information about the whereabouts of any John Minton's drawings (Minton had illustrated some of David's early books). Boards and interior pristine. Dust wrapper price clipped, rubbed at edges. In protective mylar cover.