OP: James Beard's Menus for Entertaining

Delacorte Press, 1965. Hardcover. Very Good. Signed first printing.

Ever the consummate showman, on and off the screen, James Beard (1903–1985) was most certainly the perfect candidate to write a book on entertaining. 

Beard was at the height of his fame by the time Menus for Entertaining came out in 1965. The ostentatiousness of the cover—the tuxedoed author carving a ham—seems fitting; the content, however, remains true to Beard’s appeal to the full range of home cooking capabilities.

Whether he suggests serving a meal of consommé with savory profiteroles, followed by saddle of lamb Prince Orloff, pommes Parisienne, braised endives, and fraises Kate—strawberries, oranges, and vanilla ice cream topped with warm cognac and pistachios—for dessert or grilled cheeseburgers with a mushroom-romaine salad and raspberry shortcake, Beard offers something here for every skill level.

We’re pleased to offer a scarce signed first printing in Very Good condition. The interior is clean and unmarked. The jacket shows chipping and wear but is largely intact. Inscribed to a previous owner on the front free endpaper.