Henry Bemis Books: New Arrivals: 5 by Julia Child

English: Bon appétit!, an exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. It includes the kitchen from Julia Child's former residence in Massachusetts. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When Julia Child retired and sold her home in Cambridge, MA, she donated her kitchen to the National Museum of American History. In one of a series of six Smithsonian articles on preparing the kitchen for display, Christine Klepper described the process of evaluating her working library:

When walking into Julia Child’s kitchen for the first time, you realize how functional the kitchen layout is. Julia and her husband Paul’s private and professional life coexist in perfect balance within the space, giving the room an organized but homey feel. One of my first impressions after I started working in the kitchen was how Julia’s bookshelf was a great example of this balance. It featured copies of her own publications, books belonging to Paul, and general interest readings unrelated to cooking.

My assignment in the kitchen was to complete object condition reports on all 27 books on the kitchen bookshelf. My goal was to assess each book’s current condition, compare my observations with previous records, and, if its condition required, bring the book to the attention of a museum conservator. The bookshelf was located between Julia’s refrigerator and a glass view portal designed so visitors can see into the kitchen. I handled the object by the front and back cover to avoid pulling the book’s spine, preventing damage to dust jackets and spines when removing the books from their shelves.

I remember being very excited to have the opportunity to look at Julia’s cookbooks. All her cookbooks were labeled “Kitchen Copy,” suggesting that Julia kept other copies throughout the house. I expected the cookbooks to show signs of use such as food particle stains or penciled-in changes to recipes. I was surprised to find Julia did not make any changes to the recipes in any of her cookbooks that I surveyed.

Henry Bemis Books is pleased to offer this collection of six Julia Child cookbooks, five of them autographed:

Child, Julia; Bertholle, Louisette; Beck, Simone; Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 2 (Alfred A. Knopf, 1st ed, 1st/2nd printings before publication, 3rd printing, December, 1970). First mention of “asbestos cement” at the bottom of page 71. LOC 61-12313. The sequel to the classic thats catapulted Child to fame, covers seven subjects: soups; baking; meats; chickens: charcuterie; veg; and desserts. Hardcover, no dust jacket, good condition; a small divot out at the top of the spine. Title page and logo printed in blue. 7.25” x 10.25”. HBB price: $50.

Child, Julia; Bertholle, Louisette; Beck, Simone; Mastering the Art of French Cooking (Vol.1); Child, Julia; and Beck, Simone, Mastering the Art of French Cooking (Vol. 2). Knopf, 1961, 1970; first book club edition (title page and logo for Ecole Des 3 Gourmandes is in black). 6.5” x 9.5” No dust jacket. Very good condition. Inscribed by Julia Child and her husband, Paul Child, who illustrated both books. Envelope address tag for owner on front end page of each. HBB price: $500 the set.

Child, Julia, From Julia’s Child’s Kitchen (Knopf, 1975, stated 1st. ed., 1975). ISBN 0-394-48071-6. Hardcover, unclipped dust jacket with some wear and tear to edges. Book condition very good. Signed by both Julia Child and her husband/illustrator, Paul Child without her trademark inscription, “Bon Appetit!” Envelope address tag for owner on front end page. HBB price: $300.

Child, Julia, Julia Child & Company (Knopf, 1st ed, 1978). ISBN 0-394-73532-3. Paperback, 8.5” x. 11”. Julia Child is said to have commented she hated to see copies of her books without cooking stains on them. This one would make her happy; the covers indicate close proximity to the owner’s mise en place. The colorfully-illustrated text, however, is in very good shape. Inscribed by both Julia and Paul Child- without her signature “Bon Appetit!” on the title page. A number of recipes and articles are laid in. HBB price: $200.

Child, Julia, The Way to Cook (Alfred A. Knopf, 1st ed., 1st printing, 1989). ISBN 0-394-53264-3. An innovative cookbook organized around how to cook something basic (chicken, anyone? poach an egg?), with variations thereon. As entertaining as Julia can be in print. Illustrations everywhere. Hardcover; quarto, unclipped dust jacket, inscribed on the half-title page. Very good condition. 511 pp. HBB price: $195.

Bon appetit!