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Caelius Apicius’ ‘De Re Culinaria’ is considered the oldest printed cookbook in the western world. It has a $300-$500 estimate. Image courtesy of Dirk Soulis Auctions.

Dirk Soulis to sell 1541 copy of Western world’s 1st cookbook Dec. 29

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Caelius Apicius’ ‘De Re Culinaria’ is considered the oldest printed cookbook in the western world. It has a $300-$500 estimate. Image courtesy of Dirk Soulis Auctions.
Caelius Apicius’ ‘De Re Culinaria’ is considered the oldest printed cookbook in the western world. It has a $300-$500 estimate. Image courtesy of Dirk Soulis Auctions.

LONE JACK, Mo. – De Re Culinaria by Caelius Apicius is believed to be the oldest printed cookbook in the western world. This 1541 Gryphium edition of the culinary classic is just one of the antiquarian rarities that Dirk Soulis Auctions will bring to the block on Dec. 29. LiveAuctioneers.com will provide Internet live bidding.

“Collections like this are rare, and we’re very pleased to handle such historic pieces,” said auctioneer Dirk Soulis.

Other scarcities include Kircheri’s China Monumentis of 1667 and Caroso’s ultra-rare edition on Renaissance dance of 1600, illustrated with 35 engraved illustrations.

Fifty of the volumes in this old estate collection were printed prior to 1800. Many are medical related and date from 1670 to 1782. Fore-edge painted books include a 1930 edition of Moby Dick, with a detailed whaling scene and Rockwell Kent illustrations.

There are early Republic items, first editions by Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington (signed), signed H.G. Wells, an extensive archive of Rudyard Kipling autographs and illustrations, a large group of first editions by Kenneth Patchen and George MacDonald Fraser and several early editions by Mark Twain.

In addition, Soulis will offer early prints by George Caleb Bingham and others, plus paintings, decorative arts, furniture, clocks and much more – for a total of 532 lots.

For details call 816-697-3830.

Live and online bidding is available at: www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

 

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Click here to view Dirk Soulis Auction’s complete catalog.

ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

Late Renaissance Italian court dances are outlined in this illustrated guide published in 1600. It has a $2,000-$4,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Dirk Soulis Auctions.
Late Renaissance Italian court dances are outlined in this illustrated guide published in 1600. It has a $2,000-$4,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Dirk Soulis Auctions.
Athanasii Kircheri’s 1668 book provides an accurate commentary on the Chinese language, geography, flora and fauna, and early Christian missions to China. The plates created a vogue for Chinese subjects in European gardens, ornaments and engravings. The 1667 book has a $3,000-5,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Dirk Soulis Auctions.
Athanasii Kircheri’s 1668 book provides an accurate commentary on the Chinese language, geography, flora and fauna, and early Christian missions to China. The plates created a vogue for Chinese subjects in European gardens, ornaments and engravings. The 1667 book has a $3,000-5,000 estimate. Image courtesy of Dirk Soulis Auctions.
English herbalist John Parkinson’s ‘Theatrum Botanicum’ (est. $2,500-$5,000) contains more than 2,700 woodcut illustrations. The 1,755-page volume was printed in 1640. Image courtesy of Dirk Soulis Auctions.
English herbalist John Parkinson’s ‘Theatrum Botanicum’ (est. $2,500-$5,000) contains more than 2,700 woodcut illustrations. The 1,755-page volume was printed in 1640. Image courtesy of Dirk Soulis Auctions.
This is the only edition of Franklin's writings, other than his scientific works, to be printed during his lifetime. The 574-page volume has an $800-$1,200 estimate. Image courtesy of Dirk Soulis Auctions.
This is the only edition of Franklin’s writings, other than his scientific works, to be printed during his lifetime. The 574-page volume has an $800-$1,200 estimate. Image courtesy of Dirk Soulis Auctions.