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Blind Horse Books [ABAA]
Blind Horse Books [ABAA - FABA]
Membership(s): ABAA, ILAB, IOBA, FABA
Dostoevsky, Fyodor (1821–1881); Translated by Garnett, Constance (1861–1946) A Gentle Spirit: A Fantastic Story. [Harrison of Paris] [Limited Edition of 50] A MASTERPIECE OF RUSSIAN PSYCHOLOGICAL FICTION TRANSFORMED INTO A MODERN FINE PRESS EDITION
$2,400.00
A STORY OF ISOLATION AND INNER LIFE.
Originally published as Krotkaya (The Meek One), Dostoevsky’s novella presents the final confession of a man confronting the consequences of pride, loneliness, and emotional blindness. Through its intense psychological structure, the work examines guilt, despair, and the possibility of spiritual recognition.
Constance Garnett’s translation introduced generations of English-speaking readers to Dostoevsky’s shorter fiction and helped establish his enduring literary reputation in the English-language world.
THE MODERN BEAUTIFUL BOOK.
Harrison of Paris, under the direction of Monroe Wheeler, sought to unite important literary works with exceptional typography, materials, and artistic collaboration. This limited vellum issue demonstrates the press’s interest in presenting major authors through the lens of twentieth-century design.
Christian Bérard’s illustrations bring a distinctly modern interpretation to Dostoevsky’s psychological atmosphere, connecting Russian literary tradition with the artistic currents of interwar Paris.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Octavo, approximately 9.75 inches tall. Bound in full vellum. Illustrated with mounted plates by Christian Bérard. Printed and made in Germany by arrangement with William Heinemann, New York. 85 pages. Copy number XV (15) of 50 copies printed on Imperial Japanese vellum.
CONDITION: Fine. The vellum is remarkably clean and supple, with no significant warping or discoloration. The mounted illustrations are pristine. The text block is bright and sharp. An exceptional example retaining the elegance intended by the publisher.
LITERARY SIGNIFICANCE: DOSTOEVSKY THROUGH A MODERN LENS—THE HUMAN SOUL EXAMINED.
Fyodor Dostoevsky remains one of the defining figures of world literature, recognized for his penetrating examinations of morality, psychology, faith, and human suffering. A Gentle Spirit represents the author’s later short fiction, compressing many of the themes that shaped his major novels into a concentrated psychological narrative.
A PARISIAN REINTERPRETATION.
This 1931 Harrison of Paris edition appeared during a period when European and American publishers were exploring new relationships between literature, design, and visual art. By pairing Dostoevsky’s psychological intensity with Christian Bérard’s modernist illustrations, Monroe Wheeler created an edition that reflects both literary heritage and contemporary artistic vision.
The result is not simply a presentation of a classic text, but an interpretation of Dostoevsky through the aesthetics of interwar fine printing.
SUBJECTS: Fyodor Dostoevsky; Constance Garnett; Christian Bérard; Monroe Wheeler; Harrison of Paris; Russian Fiction; Literary Translation; Fine Printing; Imperial Japanese Vellum; Modernist Illustration; Interwar Paris; Private Press Books, Fine Press; Russian Literature; Illustrated Books; Limited Editions; Translated Literature; Modernist Books.
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THE NOBEL LAUREATE IN FINE PRESS FORM
Mann, Thomas (1875–1955) A Sketch of My Life [Signed by Thomas Mann] [Harrison of Paris] [Limited to 75 Copies on Imperial Japanese Vellum] SIGNED THOMAS MANN — A MASTER OF MODERN LITERATURE IN A LUXURY PRIVATE PRESS EDITION
$2,400.00A beautifully preserved signed copy of A Sketch of My Life, one of only 75 copies printed on Imperial Japanese vellum by Harrison of Paris. Issued shortly after Thomas Mann received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1929, this edition presents the author’s autobiographical reflection in the refined format that became central to Monroe Wheeler’s vision of modern fine press publishing. Signed by Thomas Mann and originating from the Harrison of Paris / Monroe Wheeler archive, this copy combines literary importance, exceptional materials, and fine press design. THE AUTHOR AT HIS MOMENT OF RECOGNITION.A Sketch of My Life offers Mann’s own account of his early years, family background, education, and the development of his literary career before international recognition transformed him into one of Europe’s most celebrated writers. Published at the height of Mann’s reputation, the work captures a moment of reflection before the political upheavals that would reshape his life and the literary world of the 1930s. A MODERN FINE PRESS STATEMENT.Harrison of Paris, founded and directed by Monroe Wheeler, sought to unite distinguished literature with exceptional design, typography, and materials. This edition demonstrates Wheeler’s early commitment to restrained elegance rather than traditional decorative excess. The Imperial Japanese vellum issue represents the finest state of the publication, emphasizing material quality, typography, and craftsmanship. This edition brings together Thomas Mann’s literary importance with Monroe Wheeler’s distinctive approach to modern fine press production, creating a copy of interest to collectors of twentieth-century literature and book arts. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Octavo, approximately 8.25 inches tall. Quarter-bound in vellum over stiff paper boards. Original protective slipcase. Printed in France for Harrison of Paris. Printed on Imperial Japanese vellum. [10], 11–75 pages. Includes the rare errata slip noting the increase of the limitation from 50 to 75 copies. CONDITION: Fine. The vellum remains creamy and bright. The text block is pristine. The original slipcase is solid with only minimal shelf handling. An exceptionally well-preserved example of this limited Harrison of Paris production. LITERARY SIGNIFICANCE: THE NOBEL YEARS—A WRITER AT THE SUMMIT Thomas Mann remains one of the defining literary figures of the twentieth century. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1929, he entered the 1930s as one of Europe’s most respected novelists and intellectuals. This autobiographical work reflects Mann’s own understanding of his literary development at a pivotal moment, shortly before exile and political conflict transformed his personal and professional life. THE MAKING OF MODERN FINE PRESSThe Harrison of Paris edition represents an important early expression of Monroe Wheeler’s approach to fine publishing: combining major literary voices with carefully considered typography, materials, and production. SUBJECTS: Thomas Mann; Nobel Prize Literature; Harrison of Paris; Monroe Wheeler; Fine Printing; Private Press Books; German Literature; Literary Autobiography; Modernism; Vellum Bindings; Limited Editions, Fine Press; Signed Books; Literary Autobiography; Limited Editions; German Literature; Modern Literature.
Offered for Sale by: Blind Horse Books [ABAA] -
Fine Binding by Riviere & Son
Moore, Thomas (1779–1852) Lalla Rookh, an Oriental Romance [Fine Binding by Riviere & Son – Illustrated by John Tenniel] Thomas Moore’s ‘Lalla Rookh’ was a defining text of 19th-century British Orientalism
$250.00A premier Victorian edition of Thomas Moore’s Orientalist epic, notable for containing 69 wood-engraved illustrations by John Tenniel. This copy is presented in a refined three-quarter morocco binding attributed to Riviere & Son, featuring their hallmark ‘bumblebee’ stamp on the verso of the front free endpaper. KEY FEATURES +++ Visuals: 69 illustrations on wood by John Tenniel, plus five ornamental pages of Persian design serving as section headers. +++ Binding: Three-quarter green morocco over ribbed matching cloth. Spine features five raised bands with elaborate gilt-tooled floral ornaments and titles. Top edge gilt (TEG). +++ Associated Names: Bears the ‘bumblebee’ device of Riviere & Son, a hallmark of one of the 19th century’s most respected London binderies. +++ Provenance: Small contemporary bookstore stamp in the gutter; contemporary gift inscription on the half-title page. +++ Imprint: Longman, Green, Longman, and Roberts (dating this specific company name variation to 1859-1862). +++ Specs: Octavo, 8 inches tall / xxiv, [2], 3-390 pages. CONDITION Near Fine — A Collectible copy with tight, square bindings and minimal shelf handling. Text is generally clean with light, even age-toning. As pictured: The half-title page is heavily toned due to ink bleed from the contemporary gift inscription and the last page – 390. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE Thomas Moore’s ‘Lalla Rookh’ was a defining text of 19th-century British Orientalism. This edition is particularly significant for the artistic contribution of John Tenniel, whose work here preceded his fame as the illustrator of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’. The combination of Tenniel’s high-Victorian draftsmanship and the technical precision of a Riviere-style binding makes this a representative example of the luxury ‘Gift Book’ market that flourished in London during the 1860s. SUBJECTS : Orientalism, Persian Poetry, John Tenniel, Fine Bindings, Riviere & Son, Victorian Literature, Book Arts, Fine Binding, Illustrated Book, Poetry, Rare Books.
Offered for Sale by: Blind Horse Books [ABAA] -
Vellum-bound Vincent marque history, signed
Vincent, P. C.; Harper, Roy Vincent 50 Years of the Marque (Signed Limited, Vellum-bound)
$2,009.63 *
* estimated currency conversionVincent Publishing Company, 1977. Vellum Limited Edition. Hardcover. One of the signed limited run of 50 vellum-bound, with invoice signed by Roy Harper. VG+ 1977 1st ed Vincent hardback, stunningly produced with tipped-in photos throughout, an exquisite vellum-bound volume with high quality paper. Very light natural aging and shelf-rubbing, well-preserved tight and unmarked. The centrepiece of our Vincent catalogue. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 3kg. Category: Automobiles & Vehicles; Signed by Author. ISBN: 0905943007. ISBN/EAN: 9780905943008. 84cxrarebooks is the trading name of Cambridge-based bookseller Marino Guida, with 25 years experience in the trade. We guarantee the condition of all our books. Further images or a short video presentation of any book can be arranged on request. We send tax-free and tariff-free to EU, US/Canada and Australia/NZ with insurance included for peace of mind. Inventory No: 101469. Collectable – Very Good Condition. Item #101469 ISBN: 0905943007
Offered for Sale by: 84 Charing Cross Rare Books -
Foulis Press Tibullus & Propertius, finely bound
Tibullus, Aulius; Propertius, Sextus Tibulli Et Propertii Opera Ex Editione J. Broukshusii Fideliter Expressa
$125.00Glasguae: Robertus & Andreas Foulis, 1758. (i)-xvii,126 pp., (2 p.) publisher’s list; 16mo; bound by F. Bedford for Pickering & Co. in sprinkled brown calf extra, gilt top; five raised bands forming six panels, five decorated in gilt; red leather spine label lettered in gilt; inside dentelles; marbled pastedowns & endpapers. Light foxing to prelims and title page; page iii trimmed a half inch bottom edge. Short, clipped catalogue entry pasted down on first blank, with a note in pencil below: “Bot of Pickering & Chatto, Sept. 05.” An attractive copy, beautifully printed. Text in Latin.
Offered for Sale by: G. F. Wilkinson Books
