OP: The Savoy Cocktail Book
Richard R. Smith, New York, 1930. Hardcover. Very Good Minus. First printing.
Published in 1930, The Savoy Cocktail Book was the creation of the great bartender Harry Craddock (1876–1930). An Englishman by birth, Craddock relocated to New York in 1897 but, after the arrival of Prohibition in America, returned to London, where, at the Savoy Hotel, he gained a considerable following and reputation as a master of the craft.
Craddock’s book contains some 750 recipes, including all of the classic fizzes, flips, and slings, as well as a number of his own inventions, a long-time favorite of which is the Corpse Reviver #2. In addition, he provides his own witty commentaries and cocktail history—some of it quite possibly true.
Beyond its contents, the book is famous as an exquisite piece of craftsmanship. Its elegant art deco design is museum-worthy (and, in fact, the volume is displayed at the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum in New York City). Notable are its striking black, green, and gold cover; festive endpapers; stylish page design; and illustrations, reproduced in an array of colors.
Craddock’s great book has been re-issued in innumerable editions by many publishers. However, there is only one true first printing, which we offer here. This is identifiable by a recipe on page 25 called the Bacardi Special Cocktail—which appears in all subsequent editions as Bacardi Cocktail. Our copy lacks the errata slip, but the error is present.
Because the gold leaf on the case is subject to scratching and chipping, most copies have ended up rubbed or flawed in one way or another. The copy we are offering is no major exception. The front and rear boards show some scuffing, and the fore corners are rubbed enough to expose the boards underneath; the top and bottom edges also show wear. The interior bears very occasional and faint soiling and the binding is secure. Issued without dust jacket.
