The Savoy Cocktail Book.

an art deco classic

A charming copy of this Art Deco classic, with a contemporary presentation inscription: 'Dedicated, that is, to the heretic, but, nevertheless with all beneficence & good wishes. St John White. The Savoy. 17/x/30'.

With scores of cocktails recipes from the 'Cupid' to the 'Trilby', with occasional anecdotes and further recipes chapters for Sours and Toddies; Flips; Egg Noggs, Tom Collins; Slings; Shrubs, etc', Punches; Wine; Champagne; Port. Colourfully illustrated by Gilbert Rumbold.

Craddock (1876-1963), inventor of the White Lady, was head bartender of the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel in London during the Jazz Age. Born in Stroud, Gloucestershire, he honed his skills at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York before he was forced to return to England following the introduction of Prohibition in the United States in 1920. Since its first publication, Craddock's book has never been out of print.

First edition, first impression, 8vo (20 x 13.5 cm); illustrated throughout in colour by Gilbert Rumbold, pagination on the title-page and the tipped-in recipe at p.25, presentation inscription in pen to dedication leaf verso, ruled note-paper to rear unused, occasional light spotting; publisher's black cloth backed illustrated boards, rebacked preserving original spine, art deco foil design to upper board, lower board gilt, spine lettered in gilt, slightly rubbed with minor loss to corners and extremities, very good.