May (Robert) The Accomplisht Cook, or the Art and Mystery of Cookery, third edition, 1 folding woodcut plate (defective) only (of 4), woodcut illustrations and head-pieces, 8pp. advertisements at end, lacking engraved portrait frontispiece and index f. 2I1, first advertisement f. torn with considerable loss, title trimmed at outer margin, just touching text, trimmed, affecting final line of text on Z2 and occasionally catchwords and signatures, some marginal worming (mostly at foot), occasionally affecting the odd letter, stained, some spotting, lightly browned, antique style panelled calf, gilt spine in compartments and with red morocco label, [Cagle 867; Oxford pp.29-30; Wing M1393aA], 8vo, Printed for N. Brooke, and are to be sold by Tho. Archer, 1671. sold not subject to return.

⁂ Rare edition, most often found defective (the Cagle copy lacks the plates). Some copies of the 1671 edition bear a different imprint. May (1588-1664) trained in France and served his apprenticeship in London working for Arthur Hollinsworth, cook to the Grocer's Hall and Star Chamber. He later worked under his father at Ascott Park and for Sir Anthony Browne at Cowdray House.

Provenance: 'D.W.' and price paid (contemporary ink inscription to upper margin of title).