The Savoy Cocktail Book
New York: Richard R. Smith Inc., 1930. 2nd Printing. Octavo, publisher's black cloth over illustrated gold foil paper-covered boards, top edge stained in aqua.
Second printing US edition of Harry Craddock’s classic Jazz Age cocktail compendium. Known as "the dean of cocktail shakers," Craddock began compiling his collection of recipes while working at London's Savoy Hotel bar in the 1920s. Published during the height of cocktail culture and at the end of the Prohibition Era in the US, "the Bhagavad Gita of cocktail books" contains over 750 recipes categorized by different spirits and liqueurs, a selection of non-alcoholic libations, along with witty commentary, humorous anecdotes, and bar manners and customs, such as how to ask for a glass of port. Notably, the book has remained consistently in print since it first appeared and endures as one of, if not the most, employed recipe book for bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. Illustrated in color with Gilbert Rumbold’s celebrated Art Deco drawings. Published simultaneously in the UK. Second printing, with title page unnumbered, no errata slip to p.25, and with "Additional Cocktails" list present on pp.282-283. Light scattered foxing throughout, bottom corner of front endpaper clipped, recipe notes in pencil to p.54. Some rubbing to spine-ends, moderate rubbing and edgewear to boards, with patches of wear to gold foil over boards. About very good. Item #12906
$750.00