HINES, DUNCAN. (1880-1959). American food critic and author who lent his name to the still popular brand of boxed cake mixes. Signed book. (“Duncan Hines”). 274pp. 8vo. N.p., N.d. (New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1955). A copy of Duncan Hines Food Odyssey signed on the dedication page.

A traveling salesman from Chicago, Hines traversed the United States when there was no interstate highway system or chain restaurants. During his trips, he compiled a list of reliably good restaurants which he published as a guide – Adventures in Good Eating – in 1935. Its success prompted him to write a book recommending accommodations, Lodging for a Night in 1938 and, the following year he published Adventures in Good Cooking and the Art of Carving in the Home: Famous Recipes. Leaving sales, Hines worked in public relations for Midwestern Food Co-op. By 1953 his popularity was such that Hines sold the use of his name to various food manufacturers including Nebraska Consolidated Mills, which developed the famous Duncan Hines cake mixes and sold it to Proctor & Gamble in 1957. Hines published three books in 1955: The Duncan Hines Barbecue Cook Book, The Duncan Hines Dessert Book and the gastronomical memoir Duncan Hines’ Food Odyssey, which included recipes. He died four years later and his name can still be found on cake, brownie and muffin mixes, frosting, and pie fillings.

Some wear to the spine, but in overall fine condition. Uncommon.