FRANK MEIER (1884-1947) THE ART OF MIXING DRINKS LIMITED EDITION. 1936. NUMBERED AND SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR. Paris, Fryam Press, MCMXXXVI (1936). Copy No. CCXXXVII, one of 300 copies of the first edition, specially printed on handmade paper for Mr. ″Michel″ Jean Berio, signed ″with my thanks / Frank Meier″. In-8°, 182 pp. publisher's soft-fold cover, some pages uncut, pages framed with a red frieze featuring the author's initials, illustrations in and out of text, woodcuts at the head of the chapters monogrammed S.R. ″Ode to the bar at the Ritz″ by J. Ainsworth Th. Morgan, 1921, on page 5. The first edition of this work was published on 1 October 1936 and comprises 26 copies from A to Z specially printed for the author, together with 300 copies on handmade paper, numbered 1 to 123 and CXXIV to CCC. Printed by Bishop & Sons, Paris, for Fryam Press, under the direction of M. P.A. Chavane. In English. 19.4 x 14.6 x 2.4 cm Good condition. Soiling and corneled corner on 4th cover. This collection reveals the recipes for over 400 cocktails, including Meier's own creations, and also contains tips on good living. A rare and elegant edition. Frank Meier, was the resident bartender, from 1921 until his death in 1947, of the ″bar Hemingway″ at the Ritz, a legendary cocktail bar, in Paris, where he became a master of cocktails, a friend of writers and a professional who learned his art in the United States. Renowned for his mixology skills, he became one of the world's greatest bartenders between the wars. A number of celebrities patronised the hotel during this period, as well as the bar run by Meier, including Ernest Hemingway, Jean Cocteau, Sacha Guitry and Scott Fitzgerald. At the buyer's request, we would be happy to provide a general condition report on the lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to carry out their own inspection or consult a specialist of their choice for a full assessment of the condition of the lot. Descriptions of items provided in the catalogue or by correspondence are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as a definitive assessment. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD 'AS IS' IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.