“DEEP DOWN INTO THE ORIGINS OF COGNAC”

DELAMAIN, Robert. Histoire du Cognac. Paris: Librairie Stock, (1935). Quarto, original stiff paper wrappers, glassine. $200.

First trade edition of this authoritative history of Cognac written by a descendant of the renowned House of Delamain, with over 30 heliogravures and a full page map of the “Région du Cognac.”

The origin of Cognac in France dates back to the 16th century, but it was not until 1800s that six French regions, based on their soil features, were designated as Cognac growing areas (crus)—a determination ultimately ratified by decree in 1938. This exceptional authoritative history of Cognac is authored by a descendant of the House of Delamain, whose own historical roots "run deep down into the origins of Cognac, such that it is today one of the oldest names of the region. The Delamain family boasts amongst its members humanists, scientists and poets alike, such as Jacques Delamain, a writer and great ornithologist, or Robert Delamain, author of The History of Cognac, a superb book still today considered as a work of reference by scholars and cognac-lovers" (Le Cognac). Published in Paris in 1935 and illustrated with over 30 brown-tone heliogravures, along with a map of the Région du Cognac, Delamain's history includes sections on the region's history, its climate and soil, the process of distillation, the French government's role in the production of Cognac, and much more. First trade edition, issued along with a limited edition (320 copies), no priority established. With preface by Gaston Chérau. Text in French.

A fine copy.