Erdman David Blake Edward Rose (2 results)

Two volumes, folio (37.5 x 30cm). Vol. I, pp. xvi,100. Vol. II, x. With 797 large reproductions including all 537 watercolours from the British Museum Print Room reproduced in monochrome, plus 78 in colour, plus proofs plus the entire 1797 text and plates. Hardcovers in dustwrappers with slip-case. VG. Heavy item may require additional postage for foreign order. VG. [Bentley Suppl. 177].

Hardcover. Condition: Like New. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. This two volume set is bound in matching navy blue publisher's cloth. Covers are plain with gilt lettering on each spine. Profusely illustrated with facsimile art by William Blake, the 537 watercolour drawings and 43 engravings reproduced in these volumes constitute Blake's largest pictorial work. They comprise a page-for-page illustration of all nine Nights of the once famous Night Thoughts on Life, Death and Immortality by Edward Young (1683-1765). Transformed by Blake's imagination they shine as an illuminated serial fresco of irony, comedy, and prophecy. This publication in book form, with its high proportion of full-colour plates, is a necessary response to the ever-increasing interest in William Blake and to the exacting inclusiveness of a critical scholarship which demands easy access and frequent reference to the artist's entire work. Volume I and II, containing the Introduction and Plates, will be followed by Volumes III and IV, the Commentary. (From the dust jacket; Volumes III and IV are NOT included within this listing.) Matching illustrated dust jackets in color against an off white background; black lettering on the cover and spine. Slipcase is navy blue with white interior, and includes a slipcase divider between the two volumes. (Slipcase measures 15.25" tall x 12.25" wide x 4" thick).VOLUME I contents include: List of figures in introduction; List of watercolor designs reproduced in color in Volume II; Abbreviations, numbering, short titles, markings; Introduction; The History of the Designs; The Watercolour Drawings; The Engravings; Evolution of the Designs; Copies of the Engraved Work; Checklist of Studies and Reproductions; Notes to introduction; Index to introduction; The watercolour designs (NT 1-263). xvi, 99 pp., plates 1-263. (Measures 14.75" tall x 11.75" wide x 1.5" thick).VOLUME II contents include: List of watercolour designs reproduced in color; The watercolour designs (NT 264-537); The watercolour designs: Colour plates of selected designs; The engraved designs: colour plates of title-pages of coloured copies; The engraved designs: proofs; The engraved designs: the 1797 edition. viii, plates 264-537. (Measures 14.75" tall x 11.75" wide x 2" thick).ABOUT THE ARTIST: William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker. Largely unrecognised during his life, Blake has become a seminal figure in the history of the poetry and visual art of the Romantic Age. (Wikipedia). CONDITION: Volumes themselves are like new and beautiful. Illustrations are mesmerizing. Dust jackets are near fine as they are price clipped, and minimal wrinkling at the foredge of Volume I, and a moderate crease at the middle of the spine. Slipcase is VG+ with mild rubbing and light wear, particularly at the seams and corners. A magnificent set. At over 18 lbs. with packaging materials, due to the size and weight of this set, an additional shipping charge will apply. Please note that a signature will be required for this item upon delivery. Full refund if not satisfied.