Fine Editions Ltd
Books and Ephemera of Aesthetic Merit
Membership(s): IOBA
Defoe, Daniel
Defoe, Daniel A New Voyage round the World By a course never sailed before. Being a voyage undertaken by some merchants, who afterwards proposed the setting up an East-India company in Flanders. Illustrated with Copper Plates.
$2,749.00
London: printed for A. Bettesworth, at the Red-Lyon, in Pater-Noster-Row ; and W. Mears, at the Lamb, without Temple-Bar, M.DCC.XXV [but 1724]. Full Calf. First Edition, in two parts, of “perhaps Defoe’s best travel book,” an imaginary voyage of circumnavigation, intending to discover uncharted lands in the South Pacific. (Earle) Crown 8vo (201 x 115mm): [2],208; 205,[1]pp, with frontispiece map of the globe by J. Clark and three full-page views of life ashore. Beautifully bound by Fitterer in full speckled calf to period style, spine in six compartments between gilt-ruled raised bands, covers paneled in gilt, red morocco lettering piece gilt, matching end papers renewed. Scarce in commerce. A superlative copy in a fine binding, clean throughout with good margins. Moore 469. Sabin 19291. Furbank and Owens, pp. xviii-xx. Lowndes II 620. Howgego D11. Gove, pp. 241-42. Hill 462. Goldsmiths’, 6348. Landis V 724/49. Earle (The World of Defoe), pp. 54-57. Fine.
Published anonymously six years after Robinson Crusoe (and thus testifying to Defoe’s abiding interest in voyaging to the South Pacific), but attributed to Defoe some fifty years after his death. One of Defoe’s lesser-known works but deserving of classic status, A New Voyage broke new ground, heralding a fresh approach to fantasy fiction of the eighteenth century. According to Howgego, Defoe based his work on a wide variety of sources, including Dampier, Frézier, Narborough, and other accounts of the great buccaneering voyages of his day. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).
Related products
-
Dostoevsky, Fyodor (1821–1881); Translated by Garnett, Constance (1861–1946)
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
$2,400.00A 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. less
moreOffered for Sale by: Blind Horse Books [ABAA] -
Racinet, M. A.
Racinet, M. A. Le Costume Historique Cinq Cents Planches, Trois Cents ed Couleurs, or et Argent, Deux Cents en Camaieu (6 Volumes)
$4,500.00Paris: Libraire de Firmin-Didot Et Cie, 1888. “Petite” first edition. Six volumes. Square 8vo. Illustrated with 500 plates, 300 in vivid chromolithography printed by Didot, and 200 in camaieu (monochrome) – complete. Bindings marked Brentano’s Paris. Bound in half royal blue crushed morocco with gold-veined marbled sides and marbled endpapers, t.e.g., the spine richly gilt with floral ornaments. Fine. ( One monochrome plate in Vol II with half-inch spot due to cohesion with resulting small hole in facing page not affecting any text; also a very small brown spot on lower edge of a page not affecting text). “This edition… is known as the small or ‘petite’ edition. The same text and plates were published at the same time in a larger edition, folio size, usually described as the “grande edition”. The only difference is in the size of the page and color of the paper. Plates are printed from the same lithograph plates, but in the ‘grande edition’ they are on titled paper. (Hiler & Hiler, p. 732.) Quite a handsome production of an important work in fine bindings. Hiler 732; Colas 2471; Lipperheide 93. less
moreOffered for Sale by: First Folio -
Smith, Ken (1938–2003) ; Poet
Smith, Ken (1938–2003) ; Poet Between The Dancers [Signed Limited Edition] [Six Screenprints] [Artist Edition] AN AWARD-WINNING BRITISH ARTIST’S BOOK UNITING POETRY, SCREENPRINT, AND FINE PRESS CRAFTSMANSHIP — CIRCLE PRESS POETRY IN COLLABORATION WITH JOHN CHRISTIE
$625.00A CIRCLE PRESS ARTIST’S BOOK RECOGNIZED ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGEA distinguished example of late twentieth-century British book art, Between The Dancers combines Ken Smith’s intense, carefully crafted poetry with six original screenprints by John Christie, creating a work where text and image function as equal artistic partners.+++ Awarded a Bronze Medal at the 1982 International Book Art Exhibition in Leipzig, this edition represents the creative ambition of Circle Press during a period when the artist’s book movement was redefining the relationship between literature, printing, and visual expression.+++ This copy is number 12 of only 75 bound copies, signed by both poet Ken Smith and artist John Christie. POETRY AND IMAGE IN DIALOGUE.Ken Smith was one of the most distinctive voices in post-war British poetry, recognized for his direct language, social awareness, and emotional intensity. In Between The Dancers, his sequence of ten poems explores movement, memory, and human experience through a compressed and powerful poetic style. John Christie’s screenprints respond visually to Smith’s writing, creating an interaction between abstract image and poetic structure. The result reflects the continuing tradition of the livre d’artiste, where the book itself becomes a collaborative work of art. THE CIRCLE PRESS TRADITION.+++ Founded by John Christie, Circle Press became one of the important British workshops of the late twentieth century, producing finely crafted books that brought together poets, artists, designers, and printers.+++ Printed letterpress in 14-point Optima on heavy Somerset mould-made paper, Between The Dancers demonstrates the press’s commitment to combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistic experimentation.+++ The volume occupies an important place within the development of the modern British artist’s book, bridging fine press traditions with the broader conceptual movement of late twentieth-century book art. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Large quarto. Approximately 33 × 25 cm (13 × 10 inches). Four 8-page sections. Printed letterpress in 14-point Optima on heavy Somerset mould-made paper. Illustrated with six original screenprints by John Christie. Quarter-bound in canvas and green boards. Housed in original black cloth slipcase. Number 12 of 75 bound copies. Signed by Ken Smith and John Christie. CONDITION: Fine. The book is pristine, exhibiting no flaws or blemishes and retaining original gift-quality presentation. The black cloth slipcase is Near Fine to Fine, structurally sound and vibrant with only minimal shelf handling. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE — THE MODERN ARTIST’S BOOK—A BRITISH BOOK ART ACHIEVEMENT. The late twentieth century saw renewed interest in the artist’s book as a medium where poetry, visual art, typography, and craftsmanship could exist together. Circle Press became one of the leading British practitioners of this approach, producing editions that emphasized collaboration and material quality. The recognition of Between The Dancers at Leipzig confirms its place within the international conversation surrounding contemporary book art during this period. AN IMPORTANT CIRCLE PRESS TITLE.Although less frequently encountered than some Circle Press productions, Between The Dancers remains an important example of the press’s collaborative philosophy. Its omission from some retrospective discussions of Circle Press publications makes complete holdings of the press’s output more difficult without this title. CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS+++ Award-Winning Artist’s Book — Recognized at the International Book Art Exhibition in Leipzig.+++ Poetry and Visual Art — Ken Smith’s poems interpreted through John Christie’s original screenprints.+++ Circle Press Production — A significant example of British late twentieth-century fine press publishing.+++ Signed Collaborative Edition — Signed by both poet and artist.+++ Modern Livre d’Artiste — Continues the tradition of the artist’s book as a unified visual and literary work. SUBJECTS: Ken Smith; John Christie; Circle Press; British Poetry; Artist Books; Screenprints; Fine Press Printing; Book Arts; Somerset Paper; Letterpress Printing; Contemporary Poetry; International Book Art Exhibition, Artist’s Books; Fine Press; British Poetry; Livre d’Artiste; Illustrated Books; Limited Editions; Signed Books. less
moreOffered for Sale by: Blind Horse Books [ABAA] -
Lucius Apuleius (c124-c170) ; Edited by C. Holmes
Lucius Apuleius (c124-c170) ; Edited by C. Holmes De Cupidinis Et Psyches Amoribus Fabula Anilis Vale Press – Cupid and Psyche – Typography
$1,350.00London: Ballantyne Press For Hacon and Ricketts, 1901. Sold by Hacon & Ricketts. Limited to 310 copies [No copies on Vellum]. Printed in Vale type on heavy paper with a watermark of engraving tools and wreaths. (p.30). The text is in Latin. 5 wood engravings, woodcut border and an initial on opening page by Charles Ricketts. 11.75 inches tall; Imperial octavo (approximately 11.5 x 7.5 inches); (12) blank, xxx, colophon, (13) blank. Original linen backed blue paper covered boards with printed paper label on upper cover; Boards have minor ageing; Paper label age-toned; Hint of a rub on the lower rear corner, Endpages toned as is typical. Some preliminaries unopened.  Ref; Watley, B33; L’Art Ancient, 53, Ricketts, xxviii The Tale of Cupid and Psyche, part of Lucius Apuleius’ Metamorphoses (also known as The Golden Ass), is a profound allegorical story exploring themes of love, transformation, and the soul’s quest for enlightenment. The narrative centers on the relationship between the god Cupid and the mortal Psyche, whose trials reflect the soul’s journey through challenges toward divine union. This myth has inspired numerous theological, psychological, and artistic interpretations, making it a cornerstone of Western cultural and literary tradition. Charles Ricketts’ Latin edition of De Cupidinis et Psyches Amoribus Fabula Anilis, published by the Vale Press in the early 20th century, plays a crucial role in the revival of classical works. During this period, there was a renewed interest in classical antiquity, and Ricketts, a key figure in the British Arts and Crafts movement, was dedicated to reintroducing these timeless texts with artistic elegance. The Vale Press, known for its high-quality publications, became synonymous with beautifully crafted books. Ricketts’ edition was a limited, meticulously designed volume that combined literary and artistic value. The tale’s themes of love, transformation, and spiritual growth resonated with the Symbolist movement’s focus on mysticism and myth. By publishing this work, Ricketts aligned himself with Symbolism’s deep appreciation for beauty, allegory, and the emotional depth of myth, enhancing the cultural significance of both the text and the press. Subjects – Key Words:+++ Cupid and Psyche; Lucius Apuleius; The Golden Ass; Allegory; Symbolism; Soul’s Journey; Mythology; Mythical Themes; Metamorphoses. +++ Arts and Crafts Movement; Charles Ricketts; Vale Press; Fine Press; Limited Edition; Classical Revival; Symbolist Movement; Aestheticism; Renaissance of Antiquity; Aesthetic Movement. +++ Book Design; Handcrafted Books; Illustrated Editions; Typography; Artistic Publishing; Printing — Great Britain; Type and type-founding; Handmade papers; Private press books; Typefaces; Private Press. less
moreOffered for Sale by: Blind Horse Books [ABAA]

USD
GBP
EUR
CAD
AUD
ZAR










