OP: The Simple Art of Perfect Baking

William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1985. Hardcover. Fine in Very Good jacket. Signed first printing.

Flo Braker was a baker’s baker, and her first book, The Simple Art of Perfect Baking (1985), was the standard bearer for technically sound and approachable home baking books for many, many years. (As an aside, we will mention that Braker’s debut was edited by the indomitable Maria Guarnachelli, who also had her hand in Classic Indian Cooking, The Zuni Cafe Cookbook, and Bravetart, among many others, if that helps contextualize the type of rigor we’re talking about).

At a little over 500 pages, with some recipes occupying as many as four pages or involving a handful of subrecipes, The Simple Art… has all the potential to be overly complicated and totally maddening. Quite the opposite is true, however, as Braker’s teaching experience and know-how inspire just the right amount of confidence to tackle everything from a classic angel food cake to a cranberry eistorte—a frozen dessert, which, in this iteration, involves molded cranberry sorbet covered in chocolate whipped cream and decorated with chocolate meringue mushrooms. 

Technical advice can be found throughout each recipe; however, each section begins with detailed notes and tips, which even the most seasoned bakers will find useful—well-worth stopping and reading.

We are pleased to offer a signed first printing in excellent condition. The book block and case appear as new, and the jacket is price clipped and just slightly shelfworn, particularly at the head of the spine. Lovely black and white illustrations by Kristee Kreitman.