The Gentleman\'s Companion Charles H. Baker Jr HC Crown 1946 Illus Ex Libris For Sale

I bought this set a few years ago in one of those incredible, packed-to-the-ceiling antique shops in Santa Fe, New Mexico—the kind of place where you feel like there might be a treasure behind absolutely everything. I’ve picked up copies of Charles H. Baker Jr.’s books whenever I’ve come across them over the years. His own story is nearly as entertaining as his books, and they are genuinely fun to read—not just beautiful vintage bar books. I’ve also given copies as gifts because they’re such great conversation pieces for anyone who loves cocktails, food, travel or a good story.Wonderful complete 1946 two-volume set of The Gentleman’s Companion by Charles H. Baker Jr., published by Crown Publishers, New York, with its original illustrated publisher’s slipcase.The set consists of:Volume I – Being an Exotic Cookery Book, or Around the World with Knife, Fork and SpoonVolume II – Being an Exotic Drinking Book, or Around the World with Jigger, Beaker and FlaskOriginally issued in a limited edition by the Derrydale Press in 1939, Baker’s wonderfully eccentric combination of travel, food and cocktails was republished by Crown in this two-volume edition in 1946.Charles H. Baker Jr. was an American traveler, writer and legendary chronicler of food and drink. His recipes are mixed with stories and observations from his extensive travels, which is a huge part of what makes these books so entertaining. Volume II in particular has become a classic of vintage cocktail literature.Both volumes retain their original red cloth bindings with gilt spine decoration and lettering. The interiors feature wonderful period typography and photographic illustrations.Also included is the original publisher’s black slipcase with the large printed title label identifying both volumes.PLEASE NOTE SLIPCASE CONDITION: The original slipcase is in poor/incomplete condition. The bottom panel is missing, and there is substantial separation, tearing, edge loss, rubbing and deterioration to the remaining structure and covering. I have kept it with the books because it is the original 1946 publisher’s case and an important part of the set, but it should not be considered structurally sound.The two books themselves present considerably better than the slipcase. The red cloth shows age-related fading, soiling and shelf/handling wear, particularly along the spines. Pages show normal age but appear generally clean and readable. Please review all photographs carefully for exact condition.A fantastic set for a collector of vintage cocktail books, bar books, culinary history, travel writing or classic entertaining—and unlike many collectible books, these are genuinely fun to sit down and read.Sold as the complete two-volume set with the damaged original publisher’s slipcase shown.