Gastronomy 2021 Catalogue

54 B a u m a n R a r e B o o k s G a s t r o n o m y 2 0 2 1 Inscribed By Henry Vizetelly 58. VIZETELLY, Henry. Facts About Sherry, Gleaned in the Vineyards and Bodegas of the Jerez, Seville, Moguer, & Montilla Districts During the Autumn of 1875. London, 1876. Slim octavo, original gilt-stamped pictorial blue cloth. $3800. Click for more info First edition, presentation copy, of this complete 19th-century guide to sherry, with over two dozen illustrations of vineyards and sherry production, inscribed to a well- known British journalist and playwright: “Blanchard Jerrold Esq. with the Author’s cordial regards.” English journalist Vizetelly’s extensive knowledge of wine earned him a role of wine juror at the Vienna and Paris wine exhibitions in 1873 and 1878. For this work, he spent 3 months in the sherry district of Southern Spain during 1875. “This is an interesting book not only because it tells us about sherry but because of what it tells us about the people, their customs, and their problems” (Gabler G40310). With publisher’s advertisements. This copy is inscribed to William Blanchard Jerrold, a famous 19th-century journalist and playwright as well as part of a group of bons vivants, “a set of young bohemian journalists, miscellaneous writers, and general bons viveurs... that met to dine ‘three or four nights a week at certain favourite restaurants… He also acquired a reputation as a gourmet and under the pen-name Fin-Bec published several books on gastronomy’” (DNB). This work no doubt brought him into contact with Vizetelly, a recognized expert on wine and a likely member of Jerrold’s social set. Interior generally fine, light wear and soiling to cloth, mild toning to spine, gilt quite bright. A near-fine copy, scarce inscribed and with such an interesting association.