"James Beard's Menus For Entertaining, Over 600 Incomparable Recipes -- for Every Occasion from a Roadside Picnic to a Formal Dinner." by James Beard; published by Delacorte Press, New York, 1965, first edition.

Original dust jacket [multiple damages: see photos]; the jacket is protected in clear mylar cover; hard boards, original green cloth with gilt lettering on spine [front board cloth damage: see photo]; 6" x 9.1/4"; orange-brown color endpapers; 398 pages including Index, the first c. 5 pages have a slightly wavy upper edge; very good condition.

Containing more than one hundred menus and six hundred individual recipes, this cookbook offers delectable ideas for all kinds of entertaining situations, with simple shopping lists and preparation tips to assist beginning cooks, as well as culinary complements for culinary experts.

"This is an old classic--it was in use when I was in high school and my mom had several of the James Beard books in our cookbook cupboard. I always found his advice useful. Even though this book is dated, it has great counsel for how to set up a party such as a breakfast, brunch or celebration. There are recipes but also advice on how to buy enough wine and liquor, how to set things up so you aren't stressed when you are hosting.

Even though some of the recipes have that Sixties "Better Homes and Garden" aspect to them, a lot of the recipes and menus are useful. You can take a menu for a party and simply edit it to put something in place that is similar (a main dish, appetizer, canape) but modernized for today's tastes." [a private review]

James Beard (1903-1985) was an American cookbook author, syndicated columnist, teacher, and television personality. Designated the "dean of American cookery" by the New York Times, Beard laid the foundations for generations of amateur and professional food enthusiasts. After publishing his first cookbook in 1940, Beard went on to host the NBC cooking show I Love to Eat. In 1955 he founded the James Beard Cooking School, where he taught for many years. Over the course of his career, Beard wrote countless cookbooks, including several seminal works, and he inspired and influenced chefs throughout the world. His legacy lives on through the James Beard Foundation, established in his honor to provide scholarships and awards recognizing excellence in the culinary arts.

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) --------$12.50
Canada: Priority (c.2-6 weeks) - $32.50
World: Priority (c.2-8 weeks) --- $48.50