1769 The Experienced English House-Keeper by Elizabeth Raffald - SIGNED FIRST EDITION

First edition, signed by the author. A rare copy of Elizabeth Raffald's debut publication, dedicated to her previous employer, and featuring almost 800 recipes written from memory of her service as housekeeper to Lady Warburton. Raffald's collection of seasonal recipes was one of the most popular cookery publications of the Georgian era, running multiple editions with extensive additions.

Raffald began her career as housekeeper to Lady Warburton, before setting up her own scouting agency and later becoming a publican. The copyright for the second edition of this title was sold for the modern equivalent of £200,000. Importantly, this book contains the first written English recipe for a wedding cake, known here as a 'Bridal Cake' [Pg. 242].

In good condition. Boards rubbed around edges with bumped corners, moderate wear to hinges, moderately foxed, upper block corners singed, ink presentation inscription to front free endpaper. Complete with two folding plates depicting place-settings for a formal dinner. Binding holding well. Full calf leather with raised spine bands. 21 x 13 cm. iv, iv, pp. 362, xi.