Domestic Economy Vols I & II by Donovan, Michael - 1837

Donovan, Michael. Domestic Economy Vols I (Brewing etc) & II (Human Food). (Dr Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopaedia) Longman, & Ors: [London] 1830 & 1837. 12mo (170x105mm) half bnd, dec calf over red cloth, 376+378pp.

DONOVAN, Michael (1790-1876)

Domestic Economy (Dr Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopaedia) (in two volumes)

Domestic Economy  Vol. 1 containing Brewing, Wine-making, Distilling, Baking &c.  (Cabinet Cyclopaedia vol. III)

Paternoster Row, [London]: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown & Green, 1830.

Domestic Economy Vol. 2 Human Food: Animal and Vegetable aliments used by the various nations of the world; and the processes to which they are subjected. (Cabinet Cyclopaedia vol. XCIV)

Paternoster Row, London: Longman, Orme, Brown, Green & Longmans, 1837.

Both volumes duodecimo (170x105mm) uniformly half bound, decorated calf over red ribbed Morocco-grain cloth; spine in 5 decorated and patterned compartments, ruled in gilt, raised bands, tan and black title labels in gilt; all edges speckled red, marbled end-papers.  Printed by A & R Spottiswoode, New-Street Square London.  Title-page illustrations to both volumes drawn by H Corbould, engraved by E Finden.

Volume 1, xiv,376pp. Calf sides marked, corners very gently bruised, spine head lightly rubbed.  Volume 2, x,388pp. Offset toning to front free-endpaper from engraving, corners very gently bruised. spine head faintly rubbed.  Neat owner name to front free-endpaper of both volumes 'John Gorsh'.

Donovan was an eminent Irish scientist and chemist based in Dublin who published many scientific essays and books.  He held a number of significant scientific posts in Ireland.  His training as a chemist is evident in the detail of Vol 1.  Vol 2 explores food preparation of various animals and vegetables including topics as diverse as cannibalism, sloths, lions, acorns, sea kale and turtles.  No recipes.

In 1827 Rev Dionysius Lardner (also an Irishman) was appointed first professor of natural philosophy and astronomy at London University (and now University College, London). In 1829 he began Dr Lardner's Cabinet Encyclopædia, (61 titles in 133 volumes issued between 1829 and 1849).  Lardner wrote 7 of the titles, but the rest were commissioned from well-known authors such as Sir Walter Scott, Robert Southey, and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.

An attractive set examining the natural history of food and drink as seen in the early 19th century.

§ Oxford p.164; Attar 66.1; Bitting p.127; Cagle 650-651.  Vol 1 only - Noling p.135; Simon BG 522; Gabler G18814.