europe

The Illustrated West with the Night

First published in 1942, Beryl Markham's "West with the Night," account of her expatriate life in Africa as a well-born English woman, horse trainer, and bush pilot was well received by critics, including Ernest Hemingway. She was the first woman to fly from Europe to North America solo in 1936. Her original book was re-published in the 1980s and was acclaimed by new readers who made it a best seller. This particular edition was published in 1989 and contains photographs and illustrations not in the original work.    

Meissen-Glas. Nachtrag-Katalog Nr. 65

The Cooper Hewitt Library recently acquired two catalogs of 1930 Meissner Glasraffinerie glass shades for electrical light fixtures. Meissen-Glas. Nachtrag-Katalog Nr. 65 has 8 pages of illustrations, mostly in color. They advertise hanging light fixtures and wall sconces and came in a variety of designs. Many show the influence of the Bauhaus and Art Deco styles that were fashionable during this era.

Histoire de la Table

This beautifully illustrated volume gives an historical overview of European dining customs from the Middle Ages through present day. Many pages feature artworks depicting dining scenes paired with photographs of food and drink related objects from the time period to provide a sumptuous picture of “la table” through the ages. The French text gives detailed information on eating habits as well as tablewares including porcelain, glassware, silverware, textiles, and even furniture.

The Edible Mollusks of Great Britain and Ireland

Equal parts science and culture, this charming book provides a scientific and gastronomic tour of the British Isles through the lens of Mollusca. The book describes both the appearance and habitat of various species of ‘British mollusks’ using their Latin (taxonomic) names, while also providing the reader with numerous variations on preparing these creatures for consumption. Recipes hail from all across Europe. The book features 12 colored plates and its cover is adorned with a golden snail upon a leaf.

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