[MARIN (François)]. Les Dons de Comus, ou Les Délices de la table... Paris, Prault fils, 1739. In-12, fawn calf, spine decorated, marbled edges (Binding of the period). Rare first edition of the "vade mecum du maître d'hôtel et du cuisinier". Frontispiece engraved by Le Bas. The anonymous 32-page Avertissement set off a firestorm of controversy over the nouvelle cuisine. Attributed to two Jesuits, Fathers Brumoy and Bougeant, this key text is more likely to be by Meusnier de Querlon, recognised as the author of the Apologie des modernes (1740) and the preface to the Suite des Dons de Comus (1742). From the James Butler library, with bookplate. Vicaire, 284 - Oberlé, n°108 - Bitting, 307 - Livres en bouche, n°198.