The Finer Cooking by Xavier Marcel (X.M.) Boulestin 1st / 1st 1937

First UK edition published by Cassell & Company Limited in 1937. This is the scarce two volume set in its original and seldom seen slipcase. The case is mark free and just has some minor wear to the edges. The 'cooks' volume is in very good or better condition. The spine is browned and there is some foxing to the preliminary pages. The 'hosts' book with the jacket is in very good condition. There is a small scuff mark on the front panel of the jacket, the spine has browned and there is some foxing marks to the first couple of pages.
 
The concept of the set was that the nicer dust wrappered book, with illustrations by J.E. Labourer would be used by the party organiser and there are additional chapters in this volume about hosting a party and alcohol. Then the second volume would be given to the chef. This is full of recipes by the author. 
 
Marcel Boulestin was a pioneer in promoting french cuisine in the UK. He owned a restaurant in London and published several cookbooks, including this one, to the public. He influenced Elizabeth David and was one of the first chefs to appear on TV, making a very early appearance on the BBC. A rare set with both volumes and the original slipcase.