OP: Delights and Prejudices
Atheneum, New York, 1964. Hardcover. Very Good. First printing.
James Beard (1903–1985) was one of the most influential American food writers of the twentieth century. He primarily addressed home cooks, but as a teacher he also made a lasting impact on many who went on to significant culinary careers.
Though there have been several biographies of him, Beard’s take on himself, Delights and Prejudices (1964), makes an interesting contrast.
The expansive, which he calls “an epicurean autobiographical journal,” begins with an account of his early life. He tells us of his growing up in Portland, Oregon, and his discovery—under the powerful influence of his mother, Elizabeth—of the joys of a well-prepared meal.
From there he takes us—somewhat raggedly, although always to an end—to a broader view, gained over the course of another forty years or so of travel and of contact with a wide range of highly creative cooks around the world. Served by his observational skills and his famous memory for tastes and aromas, he teaches us much and leavens it all nicely with graceful chatter.
This copy is a first printing hardcover with dust jacket, both in Very Good condition, overall. The jacket bears some chipping and closed tears but is mostly preserved. The errata slip for a printer’s error on page 255 is missing, but the error is there, indicating the true first status.
Two magazine-clipped articles were found laid in, having stained the pages that housed them. They are now in protective plastic to avoid further damage. Also laid in is typewritten letter on James Beard letterhead to the previous owner letting her know there was no availability in his cooking classes for her husband at that time. Though the letter is signed "Jim Beard," the signature is not his and was likely penned by his assistant at the school, Ruth Norman, as suggested by Beard biographer John Birdsall.
A gorgeously designed book, created by the great Atheneum designer Harry Ford. The attractive dust jacket and interior drawings are by the highly admired illustrator Earl Thollander.
