La Maison The History of Prunier's, Madame Prunier, Longmans, 1957, First Edition, First Impression, Signed Prunier's was first opened in Paris in 1872 by Alfred Prunier, grandfather of the author, with a further restaurant launched on avenue Victor Hugo in 1924 by Emile, Alfred's son. Upon Emile's death Simone took over the business opening, a London St.James restaurant that became the haunt of statesmen from all over the world between the wars. The Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson were regular diners. When the first restaurant opened in 1872 it was the first fish restaurant in Paris and it held its reputation for fresh fish and shellfish for well over a century. In 1938 Simone Prunier published her book A Classic Way With Fish, which Rick Stein credits as a huge influence. In 1954 she was awarded the Chevalier de La Legion d'Honneur, France's highest honour for her services to maintaining the standards and recognition of french cuisine. In her retirement in 1957 she penned this autobiography. Not just a historical record of the growth of the business but a fascinating account of the impact of one of the most disruptive times in European history crossing two world wars, a reflection on the huge numbers of celebrities and royalty who dined at Prunier's and a record of how recipes, cooking techniques and eating habits changed over a century. The book is signed by the author to the title page and comes with a beautiful postcard advertising the three Maison Prunier's operating at the time. Contains 25 plates and illustrations covering favourite guests, menus etc In very good condition, the binding is tight and straight, the bright green boards with crisp gilt lettering without issue, the end papers and pages clean without marks or tears with slight toning to the page edges. The unclipped dust jacket, protected in a clear removable cover is bright with a little foxing to the inside extremities and a minimal amount of shelf wear. A wonderful book for all sorts of reasons in excellent condition. A superb gift and very collectible. Will be dispatched carefully wrapped in bubblewrap and a cardboard box.