Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A comprehensive 1,000-recipe culinary compendium by the 'Dean of American Cookery,' James Beard. This 1981 edition represents Beard's late-career shift toward lighter, fresher ingredients, moving away from the heavy French-influenced sauces of the mid-century.
Story
In 1981, James Beard was the undisputed king of American food. This book was his grand statement on how American tastes were evolving toward 'freshness and flexibility.' It captures a legend at the sunset of his career.
Maker / Origin
James Beard was a pioneer who hosted the first-ever televised cooking show in 1946. He championed local ingredients long before 'farm-to-table' was a buzzword, and his namesake Foundation remains the highest honor in the culinary world.
Condition & Value
The dust jacket shows significant staining and shelf wear, particularly on the front cover. The internal pages appear intact, but the exterior condition reduces the value by approximately 50% compared to a fine copy. Condition: Good/Fair.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.