Page 38 - Catálogo #78 2020 Bostn Virtual Book Fair

Librería José Porrúa Turanzas 2020 Boston Virtual Book Fair

THE OLDEST COOKBOOK IN SPANISH

20. VILLENA, Marqués de (Henrique de Aragón). Arte Cisoria, ó Tratado del Arte
del Cortar del Cuchillo. Madrid, Antonio Marín, 1766. Large 8vo. (24), 197 pp.,
Nuemrous woodcuts in the texto, some full-page. Contemporary Spanish calf.
3,500 € / US$ $4,080

First edition of the oldest cookbook in Spanish, written in the 15th century by Henrique
de Aragón, Marqués de Villena. The work focuses on how food is served. Although no
recipes are included in this tratise, Villena’s work is important to culinary history in
several ways: first, Villena catalogues 30 different fowl, 24 quadrupeds, 47 fish and
shellfish, 3 reptiles, 22 types of fruit and 31 vegetables, herbs and spices. Also there
is a list of foods consumed for improving health, including regional and class divisions.
However, the majority of the tratise is dedicated to the performance of carving and
includes detailed descriptions of a carver’s proper instruments and how to use them.
Of particular interest is the explanation of forks for both carver and dinner. Another
point of interest in Villena’s treatise is his emphasis on professional training and stan-
dards.”Precious monument of the language of the early 15th century, in which fans
of falconry and hunting books will find abundant pieces of names of land animals and
birds” (Salva). Occasional slight rust spots, two darkened pages, otherwise a fine copy
of this esteemed book.
References: Palau 369452; Salva 4069

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