Selected Poems. With an Introduction and Notes by Austin Dobson.

BAMBURGH, William Cushing (illum.); PRIOR, Matthew.

Published by London: Kegan Paul, Trench & Co., 1889

About this Item

First edition thus, large paper issue, number 36 of 50 copies signed by the printers at the Chiswick Press. This copy has been extra-illustrated with illumination on 25 pages, including borders and opening initials. Many feature grotesques which are seldom seen in modern illumination. The illuminator, William Cushing Bamburgh, worked for a couple of small presses in New York City, illuminating limited editions of their publications. In contrast, this finely printed edition was not issued with illumination. In 1902 this copy appeared in a dealer's catalogue, described as illuminated and in wrappers. The latter were bound in when it was finely bound by the distinguished Macdonald Bindery. Octavo (200 x 130 mm). Portrait frontispiece with tissue guard. Gouache illuminations throughout. Early 20th century red crushed morocco by Macdonald, spine lettered in gilt, single gilt tool to compartments and corners of boards within gilt fillet, two gilt fillets and dotted roll to turn-ins with elaborate corner pieces, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt, fore and bottom edges uncut, purple-red bookmarker. Original vellum wrappers bound in. Bookplate of Joseph Harrison Brazier (1837-1911), ownership inscription of George B. Clothier (1869-1941) dated 1926 to verso of first blank. Occasional contemporary underlining and annotation to p. 201. Superficial split to head of front joint, lower corner worn, foot of front pastedown skinned. Nonetheless a near-fine copy.

Seller Inventory # 184253

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Selected Poems. With an Introduction and Notes by Austin Dobson.
• Publisher: London: Kegan Paul, Trench & Co., 1889
• Edition: 1st Edition