We just catalogued this book, Romano, Francesco Leonardi. L'Apicio moderno ossia l'arte di appresentare ogni sorti di vivande. Italy, 1790. Romano was chef to Catherine II of Russia. The book is from the library of the Duke of Malvezzi. I found it interesting that the papercase binding, which as very little adhesive so it is not a true adhesive-free papercase of the kind Gary Frost promotes for conservation work, is in very good condition. The silverfish damage not withstanding, the binding has kept this book safe and usable for 200 years of cooking. It is a fascinating encyclopedia of Italian cooking from the period.
