Edward Ventris (2 results)
More imagesPublished by New York; London Unpublished 1903 1903
- First Edition
- Signed
Seller: Christian White Rare Books Ltd, Ilkley, United KingdomChristian White Rare Books Ltd
Contact seller3-star sellerCondition: Used
US$ 3,454.69
US$ 26.83 shippingShips from United Kingdom to U.S.A.Quantity: 1 available
Add to basket'A Trip to America', recorded by a young, bumptious traveller from a successful English military family (his father was Commander of British Forces in China at the time), determined not to be overawed by New York City, and then completely overawed by people, elevated railways and high-rise architecture: 'The structures at first…sight, strike one as ridiculous. Why go up to such outrageous heights? Well it is necessary for New York cannot expand. It is surrounded by water and must therefore go up, & it has gone up to a wonderful height.' Young Mr Ventris is eloquent on the sorrow of emigrants around him in Liverpool and Queenstown in Ireland as 'smiles fade away and give place to serious looks & then the tears come'. And on the outward journey he found himself sharing R.M.S. Umbria with homeward-bound performers who'd taken part in the landmark London musical that represented a leap forward for African-American representation in vaudeville theatre, In Dahomey: a Negro Musical. Ventris responds to his new friends in the language of the era: 'the two smart neggresses who had been performing in London in the n***** play "In Dahomey". They were "great" the life of our part of the boat - singing, laughing (what a laugh they had, what pearly teeth).' But best of all, perhaps, Ventris has tipped into his diary all manner of ephemera, postcards, menus, a sensational newspaper front page, recording every aspect of his trip, culminating in a page of business cards of those he met on board the return trip. A lovely meeting of cultures. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A bespoke buckram binding on this elephant folio volume, in very good condition titled 'A Trip to America' in gilt to front board. Measures 43 cm x 28 cm. Cracked over front and rear gutters; text block is sound. Paper watermarked 'County Palatine', a little age toned as expected. Ventris writes in a neat easily legible hand, 24 pp. Circa 7500 words. Signed on completion, 'Edw F Ventris 1906' to recto of last leaf. Edward F Ventris (1888-1935) was from a military family (he compares one of the boat stewards to an off duty officer) who would himself serve in the Indian Army (at the time of this trip his father was newly appointed Commander of British Forces in China) and his own son, Michael Ventris, deciphered Linear B. NARRATIVE: Hand written and compiled on his return by Edward Ventis who describes departing first Reading by rail, then Liverpool on June 21st 1903 for a 3 week 'flying visit' - actually 4 - with his friend and companion Mr T J Buck on board R.M.S. Umbria, returning on Cunard Line's R.M.S. Luciana. A United States of America dollar bill pasted to the first leaf begins the story, 'It is a mere nothing to go some 3000 miles and back in the course of a summer holiday. More than nothing - vulgar! Why? Simply because its the coin, the 'almighty dollar' which takes one.' Having completed paperwork declaring themselves not to be practising polygamists and passing a very cursory medical, both men board and as the ship departs our writer ponders the motivations of his fellow shipmates 'some with dreams of wealth and a wealth of dreams'. 9 colour tinted postcards of Liverpool, b/w images of Cunard Line ships and a Cunard Line timetable complement the narrative. A Second Cabin two berth room (number 230) is much to the pair's liking. The dining arrangements, 'the very congenial company', the American portion of the smoke room 'all cards and cigars' are described. Conversations with fellow passengers on the merits of London over New York fill the idle hours. At Queenstown off the coast of Ireland 'an enterprising [.] of Irish peasants is trying to do a trade in the sale of Irish lace and bog sticks from a small boat' and new passengers include 'the fairest of Irish colleens'. The language embedded in everyday life reveals in the descriptions the socially accepted attitudes of the period, 'Poor darkies' our writer notes on later seeing the same women having lost the key for their tr.
More images- Hardcover
- Print on Demand
Seller: Gyan Books Pvt. Ltd., Delhi, IndiaGyan Books Pvt. Ltd.
Contact seller5-star sellerCondition: New
US$ 51.83
Free ShippingShips from India to U.S.A.Quantity: Over 20 available
Add to basketLeather Bound. Condition: New. Language: English. Language: English. Presenting an Exquisite Leather-Bound Edition, expertly crafted with Original Natural Leather that gracefully adorns the spine and corners. The allure continues with Golden Leaf Printing that adds a touch of elegance, while Hand Embossing on the rounded spine l…ends an artistic flair. This masterpiece has been meticulously reprinted in 2024, utilizing the invaluable guidance of the original edition published many years ago in 1856. The contents of this book are presented in classic black and white. Its durability is ensured through a meticulous sewing binding technique, enhancing its longevity. Imprinted on top-tier quality paper. A team of professionals has expertly processed each page, delicately preserving its content without alteration. Due to the vintage nature of these books, every page has been manually restored for legibility. However, in certain instances, occasional blurriness, missing segments, or faint black spots might persist. We sincerely hope for your understanding of the challenges we faced with these books. Recognizing their significance for readers seeking insight into our historical treasure, we've diligently restored and reissued them. Our intention is to offer this valuable resource once again. We eagerly await your feedback, hoping that you'll find it appealing and will generously share your thoughts and recommendations. Lang: - English, Pages: : - 758, Print on Demand. If it is a multi-volume set, then it is only a single volume. We are specialised in Customisation of books, if you wish to opt different color leather binding, you may contact us. This service is chargeable. Product Disclaimer: Kindly be informed that, owing to the inherent nature of leather as a natural material, minor discolorations or textural variations may be perceptible. Explore the FOLIO EDITION (12x19 Inches): Available Upon Request. 758 758.
