Books and Manuscripts

Ipswich: Printed and Published by R. Deck; Sold also by Longman and Co., et al., 1826. First edition. 8vo. xx, 140 pp. Original quarter tan cloth over blue paper-covered boards, scattered soiling and light wear, dampstaining in top corner of rear board, original paper spine label with a few small chips; top edge trimmed, other edges untrimmed; dampstaining in top corner of most leaves; scattered minor foxing to text leaves.

A beautifully preserved and rare first edition copy of Eliza Acton's (1799-1859) only published collection of poetry. Acton is better known as Britain's first modern cookery writer, and her 1845 Modern Cookery, in All its Branches (expanded in 1855 as Modern Cookery for Private Families), is considered the first practical cookbook specifically geared toward the everyday reader.

Rare, we can locate only two other copies in the auction record.