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Alexandre Dumas, 1802-1870, a novelist and a writer, wasn't much of an educated man, but he had energy and lots of initiative. His novels (about 15), usually treated historic events and were widely appreciated by readers (published in episodes). He was good at understanding what the public wanted and had to employ about twelve writers to keep up with the demand.
Author of the Three Musketeers and the Count of Montecristo, he also liked fine food and didn't lack appetite. He published the Great Vocabulary of Cuisine. It was an idea he got later in life: "I want to conclude my literary work by publishing a volume of cuisine". His many trips made him aware of exotic menus he felt inclined to share with the audience. The book was written for common people and Dumas gave it to his publisher before his death.
There are about 3000 recipes, 500 prints, international dishes as well as traditional ones. According to Alexandre Dumas, it was the first time there was a printed version of the Pizza with tomatoes recipe (the notes that back to 1835 when he took a trip to Naples). One of many anecdotes to show the novelist's interest in gastronomy. During the cholera he forbid his son to eat fruits while he still devoured them by saying "it would be a shame to waste them".
Here is an easy carrot cake recipe you can try at home.
This story is taken from the book Tacuinum dè Eccellentissimi, ali&no publisher.
