The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy

London: Mrs Ashburn's China-Shop, c1755. Disbound. Fair. 8" by 5.5". None. A scarce edition of this important and immensely popular cookery book, signed by the author to prevent the publication of unauthorised reproductions. Circa 1755, this is likely the fifth edition of Hannah Glasse's immensely popular cookbook, identified via the pagination. This volume is disbound, retaining the original calf back strip, and without the original title page and final twelve pages of the work.Signed by the author to page one. Later editions had Hannah Glasse's signature in facsimile to this page to prevent the publication of unauthorised editions. However, this signature has all appearances of being in ink. The fifth edition was the final edition to have Glasse's signature as it was the last edition she had under her control prior to bankruptcy.The popularity of the work was international, and it remained a bestseller for over one hundred years after its initial publication in 1747. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin even owned copies, with its popularity surviving the American War of Independence.In this work, Glasse explains that she used simple language so that the servants who used the book would be able to understand it.ESTC reference no. N14610 Disbound, retaining the original calf back strip. Externally, worn. Final gathering to rear held by a single cord only. Otherwise generally firmly bound. Pages generally clean, with the odd mark. Fair