The Book-Bills of Narcissus, Richard Le Gallienne — 1st Edition, Limited

by Richard Le Gallienne

€218 · Offered by eBay

First edition

Publication: Derby, Leicester and Nottingham, Frank Murray, 1891 Formatting: 12mo, pp. [viii], 142. Condition Report: Very Good. The delicate cream-coloured French paper wrappers, folded over stiff card, remain structurally sound, albeit exhibiting the expected mild toning, a smattering of light foxing, and minor ruffling to the yapp edges, which is typical for such fragile fin de siècle bindings. The spine is uncreased and holds the text block firmly without any splitting or significant wear. Internally, the volume features traditional wide margins and untrimmed deckle edges; while some scattered foxing is present [primarily confined to the preliminary leaves and inside wrapper flaps], the main text block remains crisp, bright, and free of notable blemishes. The binding remains tight, and the overall preservation of this fragile publication is highly commendable. Catalogue Note: This is a scarce first edition, privately printed in a strictly limited run of 250 copies [of which it is recorded only 240 were offered for sale]. The work is presented in its original, fragile French wrappers, perfectly reflecting the artisanal, private press aesthetic championed during the 1890s. The preliminary leaves feature a printed dedication to Theodore Craig. The survival of this true first printing in its original paper binding is particularly uncommon, as many copies were either subsequently rebound for library use or lost their delicate outer wrappers entirely over the past century. Rich

  • Publisher: Frank Murray
  • Year: 1891
  • Binding: Wrappers
  • Condition: Very Good

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