X. T. D. — Avant de Quitter la Table: Causeries Du Dessert

Paris; London, Auguste Ghio; A. Maurice, 1881 . First edition. Cloth. The scarce first and only edition of this anonymous French gastronomic miscellany, ranging from prehistoric dining and celebrated gourmands to digestive science and the future of cookery. In a contemporary quarter red cloth binding over marbled paper boards.  The scarce first and only edition. Illustrated with a portrait frontispiece of the unidentified author. Collated, complete.  An intriguing French work of gastronomic history and philosophy, conceived as a series of convivial after-dinner conversations.  Arranged in four parts, the work traces the history of eating from prehistory and classical antiquity through the Middle Ages and Renaissance to the 19th century.  The author"s identity remains unresolved, appearing only under the initials X. T. D.  The work discusses appetite, digestion, dining customs, celebrated gourmands and anecdotes, concluding with a playful "speculative gastrology" on the future of cookery. In a contemporary quarter red cloth binding over marbled paper boards.  Externally, sound. Slight rubbing and bumping to extremities, resulting in minor loss to paper, more so to corners and head of spine. Hinges strained, more so to front hinge with backstrip partially exposed, front board slightly loose but holding. Previous bookseller"s discreet label to front paste down. Previous owner's ink inscription to head of half-title. Internally, text block generally firmly bound. Pages age toned toned, more so to fore edge. One or two light spots to first and last few leaves. Very Good . Ill.: None Stated. Very Good .