Boisson

1955 · réf. 63056 — New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co. 1955. 8vo. viii 6 274 pp. Publisher’s half-beige cloth over blue boards black lettering on spine slight toning to fore-edges minor shelfwear w/d.j. splendid wraparound pictorial map cover art depicting regional and local foods across the U.S. slight darkening to spine very minor edgewear still NF/VG copy inscribed by author on first dedication page “To Bessy Morris Eat & have fun.” First edition inscribed of this gastronomical memoir and guidebook by the esteemed authority on the best restaurants to be found while traveling the back roads of America in the first half of the 20th Century. Although Hines could barely cook he was a consummate traveling businessman whose adventures encouraged him to search for the best restaurants keeping notes and eventually writing his iconic guidebooks advising on restaurants and eateries wherever the tired motorist may stop. Prior to modern guidebooks ratings websites and other travel advisories Hines was an investigative epicurean who not only kept meticulous notes on the meals he ate but visited the kitchens and even the garbage outback to confirm cleanliness standards. He partnered in 1952 with Roy Park to form Hines-Park Co. in Ithaca NY and later began marketing everything from ice cream to cake mixes. Scarce in original dustjacket or signed. Thomas Y. Crowell Co., hardcover