OP: The Passionate Epicure
Faber and Faber, 1961. Hardcover. Very Good. First English printing.
La vie et la passion de Dodin-Bouffant, gourmet (1924) was considered to be Swiss novelist Marcel Rouff’s (1877–1936) masterpiece. The protagonist, Dodin-Bouffant—a gourmand and lothario loosely inspired by Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin—is introduced to us in a state of mourning. His cook, Eugenie Chatagne—famous across Europe for her skill—has died, and Dodin-Bouffant’s “life had suddenly been shattered.”
In searching for a replacement, Dodin-Bouffant is torn between his carnal lust and culinary appetite, turning down the employ of a young and beautiful, but incompetent, cook in favor of an older, homely virtuoso. So afraid of losing his adroit new cook, the devoted bachelor marries her so he’ll always be the beneficiary of her talents.
We’re pleased to offer the first English printing, published in 1961 by Faber and Faber. Our copy is in Very Good condition. The jacket is present but only graded Fair, showing heavy wear. A pleasant read, handsomely illustrated by Charles Mozley (1914–1991).
