[DURAND (Charles)]. Le Cuisinier Durand. Nîmes, P. Durand-Belle, 1830. In-8, fawn half-basin, smooth spine decorated with gilt filets, rocaille and romantic irons (Period binding). First edition of this important work on southern cooking. This manual, which contains almost 900 recipes, includes a glossary of culinary terms and instructions on table setting. A notice (p. 480) informs readers that "people who do not want to go to the trouble of making spice salt will find some at the author's shop, rue Notre-Dame, in Nîmes". Charles Durand, born in 1766, was an exceptional cook. He worked in the service of many great houses, and the King of Spain even asked him to run his kitchens, but Durand refused to go abroad. He took over the famous Audibal restaurant in Nîmes. His recipes were innovative, including hot snipe pâtés and minced hare. This edition bears the author's signature opposite the title, to prevent forgeries. Vicaire, 831-832 - Oberlé, n°204 (1837).