MCELHONE, Harry [MacElhone] and [Roy BARTON]. Harry's A B C of Mixing Cocktails [SIGNED AND INSCRIBED]. London: Dean and Son, Limited, [1930].

Eighth Impression. Small octavo, original red cloth, illustrated dustjacket, 5" by 3 1/2", 102 pages. This copy nicely signed and inscribed by Mcelhone at half-title page and additionally signed and inscribed by Roy Barton at rear endpaper. Barton was an American composer and lyricist who co-wrote the Buzz Buzz Buzz song of the I. B. F. [International Bar Flies], the 'tongue in cheek' fraternity of Harry's New York Bar regulars and honorees (who had their own secret handshake and decorated their ties with a tie clip featuring two friendly looking, well dressed flies). In the I. B. F. handbook Barton is listed as one of four 'Dragon Flies' honorees. And in the Tenth edition of this title Roy Barton is credited for the recipe for the Zero Hour Cocktail. But more importantly is Barton's role in the lore of the invention of the Bloody Mary cocktail. According to many bloggers and journalists on the subject (and Fernand Petiot's obituary in the San Francisco Chronicle), the most likely genesis of the name Bloody Mary is that Roy Barton christened it thusly after being served a vodka and tomato juice drink by well known bartender at Harry's, Fernand Petiot, because it reminded him a of a Chicago club, the Bucket of Blood. A fascinating association copy and, one imagines, an incredible rarity. Harry Mcelhone was a defining figure in early 20th-century bartending, most famous for his role at Harry's New York Bar (in Paris), which he bought in 1923. He worked at Ciro's Club in Deauville and the Plaza Hotel New York. He is often credited with inventing many cocktails, including the Sidecar, the Monkey Gland, the White Lady, and an early form of the French 75. Five copies of the Eighth Impression listed on WorldCat. Very Good bright copy, frontis fore-edge bumped, in Good only dustjacket, lacking front flap, half inch by two inch wide chip at top front panel, chipped at spine ends, light stain to front panel.

Price: $3,000.00