GRIMOD DE LA REYNIERE ALEXANDRE BALTHAZAR LAURENT: (1758-1837) French Gourmand and Gastronome who ...

GRIMOD DE LA REYNIERE ALEXANDRE BALTHAZAR LAURENT: (1758-1837) French Gourmand and Gastronome who acquired fame during the reign of Napoleon for his lifestyle. The first public critic of cooking, Grimod is considered to be 'one of the founders of the modern French culture'. A fine, rare A.L.S., with his initials G D L R, three pages, 4to, Beziers, 7th March 1791, to his mistress [Adele] Feuchere, in French. Closely written in his small hand, Grimod sends his mistress an affectionate letter, and also makes several gastronomic references, 'I don't know if in your city there are many lovers who are separated….but I think that the feelings are no less strong. There are here many quite beautiful young ladies, many handsome men, and I don't hear about any gossip, so that we could deliver certificates of chastity to everybody', remarking that he sees old devout ladies who have very good tables, especially in the Bishopric, where he is treated the best, 'My rest here is good to gain weight and I will return to you round as a ball and as fat as a barrel. All this weight will be good for you'. Grimod also tells his lover that he will send some partridge, commenting that they are currently drier than in the Autumn, 'but still extremely good when they are not overcooked. I think you should make a very good cold pate with them', and explaining that they are rare at present as they have been hunted a lot, further writing 'When Lent starts I will choose beautiful ones for you in the market. I am also sending you some dry fruits and chestnuts'. The gourmand declares that his appetite is excellent and he has not suffered any stomach problems despite postponing his medicine 'so that I am not obliged to diet….and miss some very good banquets'. In concluding Grimod states that he thinks of the pleasures of seeing Feuchere soon when he 'will press you in my arms and will get so ecstatic with you in the sweetest flavours of love', declaring 'I kiss all parts of your pretty little body with my most ardent kisses'. The final page bears an address panel in Grimod's hand and with a small area of paper loss, slightly affecting a few words of text, caused by the original breaking of the seal (parts of which are still present). Some light staining and minor age wear, about VG