Books about
Wine & Spirits

A selection of old, interesting and rare books and other materials about wine, wine-makers, spirits and related topics.

Looking for a good Winter recipe for hot spiced wine?

anonymous. The Bordeaux Wine and Liquor Dealers' Guide. A Treatise on the Manufacture and Adulteration of Liquors. By a Practical Liquor Manufacturer. New York; Dick & Fitzgerald: 1858. 2nd edition. "Shocked, I am shocked to find adulteration going on in this establishment...". Ah, the 19th century was such an interesting time. It is the anonymous ( -wonder why?) author's contention that "although the adulteration of liquors has been generally condemned as pernicious in the effect produced, still it ever has been and will continue to be resorted to, that the dealer may extend his profits; nor will any amount of legislation ever cause its discontinuance".

This, as he sees it, is not a bad thing. Some fairly astounding claims are made, among them that the entire vineyard system of France and Europe produces only enough "genuine" wine to supply New York, even were every drop exported. Hence the real need for adulterated liquors. It is not adulteration per se that is bad, but the adulteration with harmful and poisonous ingredients, a common practice in the United States at this time, that is the problem.

The author has worked as a chemist in both Bordeaux and New York, and he has learned the French system for adulteration, hitherto a secret of that country, which produces good quality fake-liquor that does not contain poisons or noxious ingredients. He now shares his secrets with liquor dealers everywhere.

Well... Hallelujah.

The text includes both background information on genuine processes as well as detailed instructions on how to concoct "facsimiles" of brandies, gins, rums, ales and beers, malt liquors, cordials, ciders, whiskey, and all kinds of wines. There are specific sections on American wines and liquors. Lest you begin to backslide and question the ethics of all this, remember- "The city of New York alone sells three times as many 'pure imported brandies', and four times as many 'pure imported wines' annually, as all wine-producing countries export". They are simply filling a need. Sort of like drilling holes in rat cheese and selling it as Swiss. The book was first printed in 1857 by the author. Neither printing is especially common. [Gabler 13770] [Simon 226]

Hardcover. 5"x7.5", xvii + 146 pages; 4 pages of advertisements for Dick & Fitzgerald titles. Publisher's pebbled and blindstamped black cloth with gilt titles; an incredibly nice copy, tips slightly bumped, a very little bit of wear at the spine head, etc., a very slight spot on the margin of the first several pages, but overall bright, clean, tight, crisp and beautiful. [04843] $400.00

Banning, Calvin (?). The Squire's Recipes. Being a Reprint of an Odd Little Volume as Done by Kendall Banning. Printed for the Brothers of the Book by the Lakeside Press: 1912. A new edition of a well-intentioned hoax. Purported to be the latter Banning's ancestor's drink recipe book, dated 1784, Banning used old types and binding styles. Although he later admitted the hoax, some friends claimed that it was in fact genuine. This reprint reproduces the original volume, with a new introduction by Lawrence Woodworth. An interesting study of 18th century tipple in any case, as well as a neat little piece of printing. Hardcover. 4.5"x6", 32 pages, marble-decorated boards; a fine copy, with the inserted addenda sheet and the striking leather and gilt bookplate of Willis Vickery. [07659] $125.00

Bosdari, C. de. Wines of the Cape. Cape Town; A.A. Balkema: 1955. Today South African wines are well known; back in 1955 this was not the case, and this amusing and informative survey introduced many oenophiles to the history and varieties of wines from the Cape. The last chapter, on the state of the South African wine trade in 1955, is especially entertaining. Charmingly illustrated by Karin Stromsoe. Hardcover. 5.5"x9", 95 pages, line illustrations dj; minor soil, dj with slight wrinkling and a corner chunk missing. [07779] $30.00

Butler, Robin & Gillian Walkling. The Book of Wine Antiques. Woodbridge; Antique Collector's Club: 1995. An enormously popular, profusely illustrated, enthusiastically written book. Labels, corkscrews, tasters, coolers, funnels, decanters, coaster, glasses, furniture, punch stuff, and much, much more! Hardcover. 8.5"x11", 287 pages, loaded with color and b/w illustrations, pictorial boards; light wear. [07205] $175.00

Carstairs Digest. Significant Articles, Comments, Notes on the Liquor Trade. Vol. 1, No. 3 thru Vol. 1, No.9. February, 1939-August, 1939. A trade journal issued by Carstairs Bros. Distillers of New York, with many promotional articles about selling wine and spirits. Each issue features a double-page spread advertising Carstairs spirits featuring a James Montgomery Flagg drawing of a ficticious Carstairs drinker -a yachtsman, hunstman, businessman, golfer, high-class salesman, and a generic adv., all very "yaw". February and August repeat the yachtsman, but the others are all original. Softcovers. 7 volumes. 5.25"x7.25", 32 pages each, with b/w illustrations and a centeral double-page spread in each issue featuring a James Montgomery Flagg illustration. Light soil, small ownership stamp on cover; nice copies. [03439] $35.00

Faith, Nicholas. Victorian Vineyard. Chateau Loudenne and the Gilbeys. London; Constable: 1983. The remarkable story of two English brothers, Walter and Alfred Gilbey, who in 1875 bought an ancient French chateaux and vineyard in the heart of the Medoc. The first Englishmen to venture into French viticulture, they transformed the vineyard into a model operation. This well illustrated study draws heavily on unpublished family diaries and records. Hardcover. 10"x8.5", 160 pages, color and b/w illustrations, dj; light soil. [05407] $40.00

Fougner, G. Selmer. "Along the Wine Trail -Vols. 1-2-4" New York Sun: 1934. Reprints of Fougner's daily column; Volume One treats wines of the world; Volume Two distilled liquors; Volume Four is a tour of European vineyards. 3 volumes. Softcover. 5"x8", 108, 115, 128 pages; light soil. [02508] $20.00

[French Wine] Revue du Vin de France. Technical and topical information, defense of quality. Paris; 1968-1971. The English edition of this premier French wine journal, founded in 1927. Issue 216 (Jan.-Feb., 1968) thru 218 (May-June, 1968); 220 (Oct.-Nov.-Dec., 1968) thru 229 (July-Aug.-Sept., 1970); 231 (Jan.-Feb., 1971); and 234-235 (July-Aug.-Sept., 1971 and Oct.-Nov.-Dec., 1971). 16 issues. Softcovers. 9.5"x12", about 60 pages each, b/w illustrations; somewhat dusty, some soiling. [05442] $60.00

Profits yes... but at what cost? (pine-apple wine!)

Henderson, J. Forbes. Startling Profits from Wine Making in combination with the Wine, Spirit, and Aerated Water Trades... Dundee; W. & D.C. Thomson: (1897). 2nd edition. A fascinating work, aimed at the English mineral and aerated water trade.Henderson explores the possibilities offered to English business in the wine and wine-like spirits trade including using raisins and currants as a base, making ginger beer, orange, elderberry and prune wines, pine-apple wine and pine-apple rum... need I go on? 

Must I go on?

A scarce little work of which OCLC only locates 7 copies.

Hardcover.  5"x7.5", 110 pages, portrait frontispiece of the author. Some very minor soil, spotting to the endpapers and a light discoloration on the frontis and title page where there was evidently a glassine plate guard; otherwise a very nice, crisp copy. [29434] $125.00

Hoggson, Noble Foster. "The Squier's Home-Made Wines as describ'd and set-forth in the Journal of Thomas Hoggson, Gent., 1765. Decypher'd & Transcrib'd by Noble Foster Hoggson, Bachelor of Philosophy" Pynson Printers for T.B. Holliday: 1924. Although the text itself is an obvious 20th century fabrication, the recipes themselves, for such works as apple, gooseberry, Madeira, and Damson wine, seem genuine enough. A prettily-printed conceit. Hardcover. 4.75"x6.25", 37 pages; spine perished, covers slightly shaken; some soil. [02605] $30.00

Hutchison, William G. Songs of the Vine. With a Medley for Malt-Worms. London; A.H. Bullen: 1904. A collection of poetry inspired by, about, or to be enjoyed with, wine, beer and ale. The poems range from the 12th century to 1904. Hardcover. 4.5"x7.5", 300 pages, original green cloth, light wear, a little toning, etc., but a very nice copy. [06373] $50.00

Johnson, Hugh, Dora J. Janson & David R. McFadden. Wine: Celebration and Ceremony. New York; Cooper-Hewitt Museum: 1985. A loan exhibition which explored the symbolic, sacred and secular importance of wine and wine drinking from antiquity to the present day, illustrated with hundreds of pictures of wine accouterments, wine-related art, and wine-making technology. Hugh Johnson contributes an essay on the history of wine production and enjoyment; Dora Janson writes on the symbolic importance of wine and the vine, and David McFadden explores the history of wine-related design. A pleasing oenological ramble. Softcover. 7.5"x12", 127 pages, b/w and color illustrations; light wear. [05596] $45.00

Lee, Russel V., et al. "Uses of Wine in Medical Practice (A Summary)" San Francisco; Wine Advisory Board: 1971. 7th edition. A summary of medical research on the effects and uses of wine in treating diseases. Softcover. 6"x9", 64 pages, several small b/w decorations; light wear. [02507] $20.00

Luria. "Wines and Spirits -1939. A.N. Luria" New York; A.N. Luria: 1939. The trade catalog of a New York wine merchant. Softcover. 6"x9", 39 pages, several b/w woodcut illustrations; soiled, with a water stain. [02610] $15.00

Rothschild, Philippine de. Mouton Rothschild. Paintings for the Labels. Boston; New York Graphic Society / Little, Brown and Company: 1983. 2nd prtg. Since the end of World War 2, Mouton Rothschild's label has been designed by a different artist each year. This lovely book was based on an exhibition of the labels and the original artwork, and also contains a history of the vineyard, the house, and the wines for the last century and more. An elegant, colorful book. Full-bodied, with a nice aftertaste... Hardcover. 10"x10.5", 132 pages, loaded with color and b/w illustrations, slipcased; case slightly dusty, light wear, but overall a very nice copy. [07362] $125.00

Rozet, Georges. La Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. Paris; Editions E.P.I.C.: 1950. A celebratory volume illustrating the early years, and the post-war resurrection, of the Chevaliers du Tastevin -an exclusive, invitation-only club that celebrates the joys of Burgundian wine. Formed in 1933 by a pair of enterprising wine growers to promote the wines of Burgundy, which were in the midst of a deep financial slump, the group's first dinner was held amidst pomp, costumes, and ceremony in a beautiful wine cellar. After the war they bought the Chateaux Clos du Vougeot, an ancient Cistercian abbey and vineyard that has become their home. The group has chapters across the world, and their membership includes statesmen, artists, writers, scientists, Nobel Prize winners, and, of course, great connoisseurs of wine. Georges Rozet, the author of this book, was a founding member. Card covers. 9.5"x12", 109 pages, b/w plates; glassine jacket; glassine very slightly chipped, else a very nice copy. [06375] $100.00

Salter, John. Wine Labels 1730-2003. A Worldwide History. Woodbridge; Antique Collector’s Club: 2005. This is the first comprehensive study of wine labels to be published since 1947, and it will become the standard study of the subject for decades to come. Written with the help of members of the Wine Label Circle, who have contributed to the text in accordance with their own specialist expertise, it explores the history of the development of not only the labels themselves, but also of the great collections. It examines the makers, places of manufacture and styles, and covers all sorts of labels, including silver, silver plate, gold, china, pottery, paktong, enamel, bone, aluminum, celluloid, brass, tin, gilt, mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, fabric, and other types of labels. A large, heavily illustrated, simply superb study. Hardcover. 8.5”x11” 600 pages, color and b/w illustrations, dj. New. [90145] $150.00

Seward, Harry & Alfonso Faber. Bordeaux International Wine Exhibition 1882. Report of the Commissioners for the Colony of Victoria. Victoria / Melbourne; John Ferres, Government Printer: 1883. Edition of 1,360 copies. A fascinating piece of 19th century Australian viniana- the official report by the Australian delegation to the Bordeaux Wine Exhibition of 1882. The 1882 exhibition was a resounding success for the fledgling Australian wine industry, and an important step forward for it in terms of international recognition of the quality of Australian wines. Reports on the Australian activities at the exhibition are supplied by Seward, the Chairman of the Australian Commission, and Faber, the Secretary.

Both note that the Australian wine makers fared very well, won more than their share of awards, and that the judges and other attendees were very favorably impressed with the Australian wines. In total, 44 Australian wine makers took part, plus two makers of cordials and one Australian exhibitor who had a remedy for the Phylloxera. There are numerous lists and tables showing who was awarded what, and a most interesting list of the Australian exhibitors and the wines they brought.

Of course, the entire point was to promote and sell Australian wines outside the country, a venture in which they appear to have been only partially successful. As far as France goes, Seward notes- "The impression and opinion of the trade are rather favorable for our wines, but the facility existing at present to supply themselves with cheap wines from all the different wine-producing countries of Europe prevents the French importers and merchants from using Australian wines as yet". The English trade exhibited no such reluctance- "Buyers for the English market came here freely and offered very good prices; we could have sold them all the Victoria wines here if they had not been specially retained for the Amsterdam Exhibition".

Seward finishes by offering some suggestions for ways the Australian wine makers can improve their productions, and makes a plea for "the establishment of an oenological school with a model vineyard after the fashion of the schools erected and maintained by the French, Austrian, German, Italian, and other Governments". A nice, early Australian wine item.

Unbound. 8.5"x13.5", 33 pages, contained in card covers, ca.1920 or so; a nice, clean, bright copy with just a few spots and a light stain at the top margin; it has been stapled along the spine into the card covers; partially unopened. [04859] $275.00

Simon, Andre L. "The Noble Grapes and the Great Wines of France" New York; McGraw Hill: 1957. 3rd ptg. Who better to write about the greatest French wines than the greatest oenophile of the 20th century? The wines of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Cotes du Rhone, the Loire, and Alsace are all discussed in turn, as are brandy, casks, bottles and glasses, and the care and service of wine. Part of McGraw Hill's series of books on wines of the world. Well written and nicely illustrated with full-page color plates. Hardcover, 7.75"x11", 180 pages, color plates, maps, dj; light soil, jacket a bit worn. [02620] $35.00

Simon, Andre L. Wine and the Wine Trade. London; Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd.: 1934. 2nd ed. Andre Simon, notes Gabler, was a "bibliophile, gourmet, wine connoisseur, historian and writer [who was] unrivaled in his contribution to the 'art of good living' ". First published in 1921, this book "deals with the wine trade of England, past and contemporary, and the whole process of wine making from the growing of the grapes and the work in the vineyard to the bottling and selling of wines" (Gabler). Hardcover. 5.5"x8.5", 129 pages + 28 pages of adv's; b/w plates; light soil, a nice copy. [06336] $40.00

Simon, Andre L. In the Twilight. London; Michael Joseph: 1969. The memoirs, as they stood at age 92, of the great Andre Simon, wine merchant, author, bibliophile, gardener and traveler. Hardcover. 6.5"x10", 182 pages, portrait frontispiece, dj; light wear; very discreet evidence of a name removed from front endpaper and label removed from rear pastedown. [04664] $25.00

Sotheby’s. Finest and Rarest Wines, Spirits, Vintage Port, Cigars, and Collector’s Items. London; Sotheby’s: September 26th, 1984. A fine auction of wines and spirits, as well as some accessories such as corkscrews. Softcover. 8”x10.5”, 54+ pages, 1074 lots, several b/w illustrations; covers with some wear, a little soil and wear throughout. [00877] $20.00

Stephen, John MD. (?) A Treatise on the Manufacture, Imitation, Adulteration, and Reduction of Foreign Wines, Brandies, Gins, Rums, etc. etc. ... based upon the "French System" by a Practical Chemist and Experienced Liquor Dealer. Philadelphia; published for the author: 1870. First published in 1860. The author notes that "Every well-informed person is aware that the adulteration of brandies, wines, etc., have been effected by the use of poisonous and deleterious compounds, to an enormous extent. This system is still in use, and will continue so until the "French System", which is almost unknown in this country, will fortunately take its place...". The "French System" was based upon "scientific principles" of "pure spirit". It is very noticeable that here, as in almost (if not) all other works of this period, the fact that none of the wine and spirits being imported or sold is genuine is accepted as a given fact that is not to be regretted or even seen as particularly wrong. Gabler G38040, who attributes it to Stephen, the listed copyright holder. The 1860 edition seems much more common than this 1870 reprint. Hardcover. 5"x7.5", 208 pages, plus 8 pages of advertisements; light cover soil and rubbing, a bit of fading; some light internal soil. [05316] $250.00

Typical Italian Wines. Rome; National Italian Wine Producers Association: 1938. A guidebook, apparently prepared for members of the "Good Will Tour of Italy" in 1938. Softcover. 5.5"x9", 20 pages, 1 b/w illustration; light soil. [02609] $20.00

Waugh, Harry. Bacchus on the Wing. A wine merchant's travelogue. London; Wine & Spirit Publications, Ltd.: 1966. Harry Waugh was a well-known wine merchant as well as a director of Chateaux Latour, who traveled to the great wineries of Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhine, Moselle, and other wine centers of Europe and America. "This diary takes us for a fascinating view behind the scenes, and gives a glimpse rarely vouchsafed of the day by day journeys involved in tasting critically and buying wines. A unique document; nothing quite so revealing of the profession of the wine buyer has ever before been attempted, and the writer succeeds magnificently in this brilliant portrayal". Hardcover. 5.5"x8.5", 203 pages, b/w illustrations, dj; jacket rubbed. [06374] $85.00

also see- Food & the Table Arts

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