THE GOLD COOK BOOK; Introduction by Oscar of the Waldorf
New York: GREENBERG, 1947. First Edition. Hardcover. 1098 pages. 21.5 x 14.5 cm. Bookplate of Marcus Crahan (1900-1978), on verso of front board - noted collector of gastronomic literature. Crahan's bookplate was made for him in the 1930s by Hungarian-born designer Franz Geritz (1895-1945). Presentation: To my old friend & physician & "Comrade" Dr. Marcus E. Crahan, Many Happy Returns, From "Gene" 1947. Authors black and white photo as frontispiece.
This cookbook functions as both a recipe treasury and as a skills manual for ambitious home cooks. The chapters are organized in classical fashion: hors d'oeuvres; beverages, soups and garnishes; eggs; fish and shellfish; meats and "variety meats"; poultry; sauces and gravies; vegetables; cereals and rice; fried breads, dumplings, and stuffings; salads and sandwiches; desserts; cakes and cookies; pies and pastries; candies; breads and rolls; ice-cream and frozen desserts; plus sections on general information and pressure cookery. Within these chapters De Gouy combines practical recipes with instructional sections on basic techniques. Recipes reflect both American and European dishes, often with "upscale" hotel-style preparations - alongside more everyday fare.
Louis P. De Gouy (1876-1947), apprenticed under his father, Jean H. De Guoy, Esquire of Cuisine at the courts of Austria and Belgium, and under the great Maître Escoffier. He served as Master Chef and Chef Steward in France, England, Spain, and later the United States. He was best known for his 30-year career at New York City's Waldorf Astoria. In the early 1940s, Earle R. MacAusland, founder of Gourmet Magazine, brought in Louis P. De Gouy as the magazine's professional chef, initially titled "Gourmet Chef", to provide menus and a recipe column and to function as the first food editor. De Gouy went on to author more than 16 cookbooks and helped to expand the food culture in America through the mid-century.
Interior very lightly soiled - Front free end paper has the imprint of the leather page holder. Boards rubbed at edges. Gold boards. Very good. Item #4796
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