This is the first biography of Austen's contemporary William Kichiner MD [1775-1827]. Kichiner was an optician, amateur musician, and celebrity chef. He's famous for inventing the crisp (potato chip) and sauces. He was a hands-on chef whose most well-known book, The Cook's Oracle (1817)  includes eleven recipes for ketchup (or catsup, or catchup). The fascinating bio is followed by excerpts from the  Cook's Oracle and lots of recipes. The authors are accomplished chefs and caterers who comment helpfully on the recipes. Jacket is sunfaded at spine, otherwise Very Good. Southover Press, East Sussex. 1992. Hb, Dj. USED. $16.00