Letter William Blake, Signed (2 results)

Condition: Very Good. Limited Edition. Northampton (MA): Gehenna Press, 1964. Limited edition 500 copies. This copy unnumbered but is the artist's copy, so marked in pencil by Baskin, inscribed by Baskin for Paul (Bitter), Baskin's nephew (son of Baskin's then wife Esther's sister, Fannie). 16 unnumbered pages. With 6 wood-engravings, 4 printed on Japan tissue, all being versions of Blake's face. Baskin has additionally signed 5 of the engravings, including all the ones on Japan tissue. Original marbled wrappers, printed label on upper cover. Light edgewear as is common to this title, Bitter's name label, which establishes provenance but is otherwise less than attractive, on front flap. A very good copy.

Northampton (MA): Gehenna Press, 1964. Slim 12mo, [16]pp. With 6 wood-engravings, 4 printed on Japan tissue, all being versions of Blake's face. Original marbled wrappers, printed label on upper cover, mint as issued. Loosely inserted is the business card for Louis Smith of Smith Glass and Mirror in Northampton with a fine woodcut of a rooster, signed by Baskin in pencil. The company is still in business in Northampton. ? Limited to 500 copies (but surely fewer than that) this is number 26. There were also 25 de luxe copies with an extra suite of the plates. Only two copies are recorded as having sold in the last 30 years and this is the only copy we have ever seen. The letter is classic Blake to his great patron: "I hear a voice you cannot hear, that says I must not stay, I see a hand you cannot see, that beckons me away. Naked we came here, naked of Natural things, & naked we shall return; but while clothed with the Divine Mercy, we are richly clothed in Spiritual & suffer all the rest gladly." Bentley, Blake Books, 94.