1. Dante Alighieri / Cockerell, Douglas / North, John William / Ashendene Press Circle /

Original Devotional Manuscript to Dante [La Divina Commedia / The Divine Comedy – Manoscritto dell’inizio del XX secolo della Divina Commedia di Dante – con strofe manoscritte da “L’Inferno / Inferno” – “Purgatorio” – “Il Paradiso / Paradiso”] – The Manuscript is titled: “Pictures Illustrating The Pilgrimage of the Divine Poet Through The Realms of Punishment of Penance and Peace” – Illuminated Devotional Manuscript of section of “L’Inferno / Inferno” – “Purgatorio” – “Il Paradiso / Paradiso” – with excerpts of Dante’s Divina Comedia, in the style of medieval illuminated manuscripts. The manuscript is a strictly themed Dante Devotion and is of magical quality if one considers the fantastic, original calligraphy artwork, the composition of the manuscript and the coded meaning to the composer of this manuscript. The Folio – size manuscript is massive and has 216 pages, of which 109 pages are with illuminated, original watercolour-paintings in the style of the medieval masters, sometimes collages with watercolour and original etchings, engravings etc. The miniature paintings are juxtaposed with 105 vintage 19th century photographs of famous Italian Art – pieces that are somehow related to Dante’s world or have an allegorical assoziation. Besides the early photographs other juxtaposed artwork or integrated artwork to the illuminations are: an original watercolour depicting the dying Dante, a sensational copper-engraving, depicting an allegorical Dante-scenario, possibly referring to the Divine Comedy, a small photograph of the famous Michelino Fresco encapsulated in one of the illuminations, an artprint attributed “Burne-Jones”, two lithographs, a large steel-engraving, a smaller steel-engraving. Most of the photographs show allegorical sculpture or art by famous italian artists like Giotto, Carpaccio, Andrea Castagna, Luca delkla Robbia, Bellini, Titian, Dosso Dossi, Orgagna, Andrea del Sarto, Fra Angelico, Paul Veronese, Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bonifazio, Neri dei Bicci, Francesco Traini, Benozo Gozzoli, etc. etc. and other juxtaposed refer in code to Dante’s Divina Comedia or even depict himself in artform. The photographs also include some breathtaking 19th century Albumen prints of Verona, Lake Garda, Mantua and other Italian landscapes.

England, [Douglas Cockerell / John William North], no year [c.1910]. Folio (34 cm wide x 42.5 cm high). 216 pages. Hardcover / Binding in full green morocco with lettering and Dante’s head as bronze sculpture per inlet to front cover. Binding by Douglas Cockerell, signed “WHS”, during his directorship of W.H.Smith & Son (1905 – 1914). The manuscript is on excellent paper, watermarked O.W.P. & A.C.L. [O.W. Paper & Arts Co. Ltd., established by English painter John William North (1842-1924) in 1895]. The binding rubbed and with some small damages, in need of some minor restoration but overall still very good. The interior, the paper and the artwork all in excellent condition besides one of the juxtaposed photographs (Filippina Lippo) removed from the manuscript with some residue of the photograph remaining and some of the photographs with some dogears and minimal discoloration. All the original artwork in spectacular and fresh condition. The manuscript is a spectacular find and the quality of its execution is of utmost interest for any lover of rare books, manuscripts and special bindings. The circle of Douglas Cockerell, his involvement in one of the most beautiful books ever printed: the Ashendene Press Dante, as well as Cockerell being the binder of this unique manuscript, the fantastic paper used for the manuscript by one of the idyllist movement’s central figures, John William North, and the wonderful Dante – theme of the manuscript with illuminated poetry from the Divine Comedy and the unique style of collage art, lets us rightfully dream that the anonymous composer of the manuscript was an important or at least peripheral member to either the Arts and Crafts Movement, the Ashendene Press or it was someone who worked in the style of the calligraphy schools that were inspired by William Morris or even earlier epigones like Owen Jones.

2. [John Minihan Collection] – [Minihan, John] Heaney, Seamus / Nash, Graham / Jimi Hendrix / Samuel Beckett / Christie’s / Sotheby’s etc.

Stunning collection of Books and Extra-Large [XXL] signed vintage photographs from John Minihan’s personal library and collection [Samuel Beckett (several Beckett – Photographs, Francis Bacon, Seamus Heaney (Two (2) photographs of Seamus Heaney), Jimi Hendix, Michael Longley, President Michael D. Higgins, etc.]. The collection holds signed books, unsigned books, inscribed books, reference-works (catalogues etc.) on old cameras and photographic equipment as well as signed original photographs from the personal library of irish photographer John Minihan. Full details under “Libraries & Collections” on our website. The collection also includes a signed original essay on Francis Bacon, an original self-portrait of Minihan in form of a reflection-photograph during his visit to Argentina, a stunning self-portrait of Minihan, taken shortly after he took the iconic photograph of Samuel Beckett in the Cafe in Paris, a signed Seamus Heaney – First Day-Cover, signed and inscribed books, a signed book with printed Beckett – Images, a signed original Vinyl with an early photographic cover-image by Minihan (Michael Mannion), more than 30 reference works which inspired John Minihan / catalogues / publications on the History and Technology of Photography, publications on the value and evaluation of photographs and rare auction records on vintage and rare photographs of the19th and 20th century, etc.

New York / London / Dublin / Ballydehob (West Cork) / Skibbereen (West Cork), Christie’s / Sotheby’s / etc., 1977 – 2022. Octavo / Quarto etc. More than 4500 pages with photographic records, descriptions and illustrations, framed photographs, signed books. Original Softcover and Hardcover – publications. Very good condition with only minor signs of external wear. The price includes an upgrade to worldwide free shipping of the collection per UPS Express Courier.

3. [Chester Beatty, Sir Alfred] Holme, Charles (Charles Rennie Mackintosh / Charles Voysey and others).

The Studio: an illustrated magazine of fine and applied art. Alfred Chester Beatty’s personal set of “The Studio”; 97 volumes bound in 69 books with the Register for Vols 1-29 [Lacking Volume 61]. With original artwork by James McNeill Whistler and other important artists of the Belle Époque and Art Nouveau Movement.

97 Volumes (bound in 69 Volumes). London, Offices of The Studio, 1893 – 1929. Quarto. c. 20000 pages with illustrations, photographs, original lithographs, engravings. Contemporary private Hardcover (Uniform deep blue buckram with gilt lettering on spinelabels). Very good condition with only minor signs of external wear. Only a few of the Volumes a little shaky. With the handwritten entry “A. Chester Beatty – 24 Kensington Palace Gardens – W. 8”.

4. Wells, Percy A. (1867-1956) / [Letter by Morris, Mary ‘May’ (Designer)] / [Letter by Allom, Sir Charles Carrick (english decorator)] / [Letter by Garnett, Prof. William (Experimental Physics)] / [Letter by Henry, Jacob Solomon (Furniture Maker)] / Letter by Hems, Harry (English architectural and ecclesiastical sculptor)] / [Letter: Image, Selwyn (British Artist & Designer of the Arts & Crafts Movement)] / [Letter: Russell, Sir Sydney Gordon (English Designer & Craftsman) / [Letter: Quennell, Marjorie (Courtney) (British historian, illustrator and Museum Curator at The Geffrye Museum) //

Small Archive / Manuscript Material, Letters, Designs, Books and Pamphlets as well as vintage photographs of Furniture like Chairs (Percy A. Wells Chair), Wardrobe, Advertising of Exhibitions [chaired for example by Christopher Hussey], etc. etc. This material all originates from Percy A. Wells’ personal collection and sensationally also includes a manuscript notebook / sketchbook with his drawings, designs and a detailed, typescript with autobiographical memories in which Wells details his decades of being involved in Furniture Design. Loosely inserted in the manuscript notebook / sketchbook, is a signed manuscript letter on stationery of Kelmscott Manor by Mary ‘May’ Morris, daughter of the Pre-Raphaelite artist and designer William Morris and his wife and artists’ model, Jane Morris [included is ephemeral material which for example informs about a pair of Episcopal Gloves, designed by William Morris’s daughter [May Morris] and the clipping continues: “Those who remember Morris’s attitude towards the Church will smile and reflect upon time’s revenges”]. The collection includes an abundance of information which easily can lead to a monograph on the life of Percy A. Wells. Detailed description of the Archive and all materials contained below (more details will be listed constantly).

Dulwich / Shoreditch / London a.o., Percy A.Wells Private Library, c.1900-c.1920. Octavo / Quarto / Folio. Hardcover Folder with loosely inserted material like letters and photographs, envelopes, signed and inscribed books and rare pamphlets with designs etc. Very good condition with only minor signs of wear. Fantstic Archive and lots of unpublished material of one of the more eminent Cabinet, Furniture and Chair – Designers which resulted from inspiration by William Morris’ Kelmscott – School. Percy A. Wells Chairs are still in regular demand today and sell for stunning prices (3000 £ etc.).

5. One of the most beautiful works of 18th century Illustrated Italian History – Bartoli, Pietro Santi / Giacomo de Rossi / [Trajan – Caesar Nerva Trajanus].

Colonna Traiana [The rare 18th-century Folio-Edition on Trajan’s Column, in which, atypically, all Oblong-Folio-Planches have a centerfold and which includes the often missing, large 1,1 meter – foldout-plan of Trajan’s Column] – Colonna Traiana Eretta Dal Senato, E Popolo Romano All’Imperatore Traiano Augusto Nel Suo Foro In Roma. Scolpita Con L’Historie Della Guerra Dacica La Prima E La Seconda Espeditione, E Vittoria Contro Il Re Decebalo. Nuovamente Disegnata, Et Intagliata Da Pietro Santi Bartoli. Con L’Espositione Latina D’Alfonso Ciaccone, Compendiata Nella Vulgare Lingua Sotto Ciascuna Immagine, Accresciuta Di Medaglie, Inscrittioni, E Trofei, Da Gio. Pietro Bellori. Con diligente cura, e spesa ridotta à perfettione, e data in luce da Gio. Giacomo de Rossi dalle sue stampe, in Roma, alla Pace con Privilegio del S. Pontefice.

Roma, [Giacomo de Rossi] alla Pace con Privilegio del S. Pontefice, [1751]. Folio: (26.5 cm wide x 37 cm high). All planches usually in Oblong-Folio are center-folded in this version, allowing it to be bound in Folio. Pagination: 9 unnumbered plates, [including titlepage, engraved dedication to Louis XIV, and also the large Trajan-Foldout, measuring 110 cm x 36 cm)], followed by 119 plates folded into 238 plates, [while our copy is lacking the 14 pages with Alphonso Ciacono’s “Historia Utriusque Belli Dacici A Trajano Cæsare” and Index and Colophon at the end of the Volume, this flaw is rather unimportant because this Volume is all about the masterful art of over 125 engravings and the powerful Homage by Pietro Santi Bartoli to Trajan, Rome’s “Optimus Princeps”]. Fully restored Folio in dark green Morocco, bound to 18th century – style by an english master-bindery. Unusually excellent condition with the tiniest of wormhole-damage to the Dedication pages. The plates all in exceptional condition. The large Column-Plate spellbinding.

6. [Gore-Booth, Colum Robert] / [Lady Eva Selina Laura Gore-Booth] / [Constance Georgine Markievicz née Gore-Booth] / [Lissadell House County Sligo].

Two Manuscript Sketch-Books [12” x 10”] bearing the Bookplate “Lady Gore Booth – Lissadell, Sligo [No.43]”. Both Folio-Size Sketch Books titled ‘The “Wood” Sketch Book’, both issued by ‘St. John’s Wood Art School’: 29, Elm Tree Road, London, NW 8. [Founded 1878]. Each Sketch-Book has 50 pages and most pages have manuscript sketches with a few loose sketches tipped in. The very accomplished drawings all appear to be in pencil and show landscapes, trees, horses, portraits, male and female figures, skulls. They all appear to be in the same hand. Also, tipped in is a b/w photo, 6” x 4” mounted on a card. It is signed in pencil by Roberts of Paris. Stamped on the back is “Roberts” 11, Rue du Havre. In pencil, it states “Elizabeth aged 11, May 1922”. From our research it is certain, that Colum Robert Gore-Booth (1913-1959) attended St.John’s Wood Art School and these appear to be his Sketch-Pads, the only other member of the Gore-Booth family who went to London in order to become an artist was Colum’s aunt, Constanze Markiewicz, who attended Slade School of Art at the turn of the century but the drawings do not fit her style.

Two Volumes. London, St.John’s Wood Art Schools / Lissadell House County Sligo, c.1920 – 1930. Folio. Volume I: 118 pages (59 perforated sheets), with 87 studies, often with sketching on both sides of the sheets / Volume II: 100 pages (50 perforated sheets), with 46 studies inside the sketch-book plus two portrait-sketches loosely inserted, plus the photograph of one “Elizabeth”, dated May 1922 and signed by photographer “Roberts” 11, Rue du Havre, Paris. Publisher’s illustrated Hardcover. Very good condition with only minor signs of wear.

7. [Walter Benjamin Collection] – [Benjamin, Walter] Haas, Willy / [Stefan Zweig / Heinrich Mann / Thomas Mann / etc.].

Die literarische Welt. [Mit zahlreichen Erstdrucken von Essays und Rezensionen von Walter Benjamin: “Die Technik des Schriftstellers in dreizehn Thesen” / Walter Benjamin – “Skandal im Théatre-Français” / Buch-Chronik der Woche von Walter Benjamin: “C.A.Bernoulli – Johann Jakob Bachofen und das Natursymbol” / Walter Benjamin – “J.P.Hebel – Ein Bilderrätsel zum 100.Todestag des Dichters” / Buch-Chronik der Woche von Walter Benjamin: “Franz Hessel” / Walter Benjamin – “Der Kaufmann im Dichter” / Walter Benjamin – “Aussicht ins Kinderbuch” (mit Abbildungen von Titeln aus der Sammlung Benjamin) / Walter Benjamin – “Noch ein Paar Neue Kinderreime” / Walter Benjamin – “Kinder” [I.Karussellfahrendes Kind / II. Zu Spaet gekommenes Kind / III. Verstecktes Kind”] / Titelseite als Kalenderblatt mit Karikatur-Portraits von Mitarbeitern der “Literarischen Welt”: u.a. Walter Benjamin, Walter Mehring, Willy Haas u.v.a. “Zum Neuen Jahr lasst Blumen sprechen” / “Wandkalender der “Literarischen Welt” fuer 1927 – Verse von Walter Benjamin / Zeichnungen von Rudolf Grossmann / Walter Benjamin – “Der Regisseur Meyerhold – In Moskau erledigt ?” – “Ein literarisches Gericht wegen der Inszenierung von Gogols ‘Revisor’” / Walter Benjamin – “Zur Lage der Russischen Filmkunst” / Walter Benjamin und Oscar A.H.Schmitz – “Eine Diskussion ueber russische Filmkunst und kollektivistische Kunst ueberhaupt” [Schmitz eroeffnet die Diskussion mit “Potemkinfilm und Tendenzkunst” – Walter Benjamin antwortet daraufhin dem “Bildungsphilister” Schmitz mit einer Polemik].

First Edition. Two Volumes with 94 Issues in total (31 issues in duplicate / 31 Hefte doppelt). Berlin, Ernst Rowohlt, 1925 – 1927. Folio. Pagninierung / Pagination of both Volumes: Volume I: The following 42 issues available in this collection are: 1. Jahrgang / Annual (1925): Nr. 2 und Nr. 4 / 2. Jahrgang (1926): Nr. 14, 19, Nr. 36 – Nr. 52 (17 Issues) / 3. Jahrgang / Annual (1927): Nr. 1-21 [Each issues with 8 pages with illustrations] / [Jedes Heft mit 8 Seiten incl. Abbildungen] / Volume II: 3. Complete Third Annual of 52 Issues for 1927): Kompletter 3. Jahrgang: Nummer 1-52. [Each issues with 8 pages with illustrations]. Illustrations in original woodcut-textillustrations are by Rudolf Großmann (several), Lili Réthi, B. F. Dolbin (several), Frans Masereel (several), George Grosz (Kinderzeichnungen), Renée Sintenis, Alfred Kubin, Max Beckmann, Man Ray and others. Hardcover (original title-wrappers inside a privately printed half-cloth binding) / Hardcover / Privater Halbleinenband der 20er Jahre. Small cutout to page 5 of Issue 2 (Advertising ? 8.4 x 14.5 cm) / (1 cm-tear to outer margin of all issues in Volume one – text not effected) / Titlepage of Issue 49, IInd Annual (1926), missing. Otherwise in very good condition with only minor signs of wear. While it would usually be desirable to have these issues in their original, unbound form, these two privately bound Volumes are actually a blessing and led to these issues to be preserved in unusually excellent condition. A Rare run of this peridocal, with a provenance of one “Frl. Nippoldt” (Miss Nippoldt), Weissenburgstr. 17 / Kleiner Ausschnitt auf Seite 5 der Nummer 2 von 1925 (Werbung) / (1 cm Einriss in den Rand der Nummern von Band 1 – Text nicht betroffen) / Titelblatt der Nummer 49 des II.Jahrgangs (1926) fehlt / Sonst sehr gut erhalten. Auch wenn eine ungebundene Broschur-Version dieser seltenen Zeitschrift einer Privatbindung normalerweise vorzuziehen ist, so ist in diesem Fall die Wahl der Bindung sehr gelungen und man ist fast dankbar wie gut die einzelnen Ausgaben dadurch erhalten wurden. Einige der Ausgaben haben einen alten Besitzvermerk: “Frl. Nippoldt” – “Weissenburgstr.17”, sowie gelegentliche, interessante Kommentare und Annotationen im Text (mit Bleistift)”.

8. Cervantes De Saavedra, Miguel [Jarvis Edition with an excellent provenance, being from the library of John Fane, (Lord Burgersh) the Earl of Westmoreland].

The Life and Exploits of the Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote de la Mancha. Translated from the Original Spanish by Charles Jarvis, Esq. [Bound with: “The Life of Michael de Cervantes Saavedra” and an “Advertisement concerning the Plates”].

Second issue of the First Jarvis Edition. Two Volumes (complete set). London, J. & R. Tonson and R. Dodsley, 1738-1742. Quarto. Pagination: Volume I: Frontispiece, XXIV, (8), I – [XXIV], (interrupted with 8 unnumbered pages: “Supplement to the Translator’s Preface,” on the origin of books of chivalry, [by Wiliam Warburton]), continued pagination [XXV-XXXII], Second Frontispiece (Portrait of Cervantes by George Vertue after G. Kent), V, (2), 355 pages with 28 copperplates (including the two frontispieces). Volume II: XII, 388 pages with 41 copperplate illustrations. In total 69 copperplate engravings, all drawn by John Vanderbank and engraved by Gerard van der Gucht / Vandergucht. Modern Hardcover bindings by an english masterbinder, styled to the 18th century period and with new endpapers that carry the original bookplates / Exlibris of John Fane, (Lord Burgersh) the Earl of Westmoreland. Excellent condition with only minor signs of foxing to the outer margins of the pages. All illustrations in strong and fresh imprint. An excellent set from a famous library.

9. [Calder, Alexander].

“Calder’s Universe” – Large Collection of more than sixty (60) Reference-Books and Artist-Books by and on artist Alexander Calder. The collection includes not only rare Volumes with original Lithographs, Exhibition-catalogues, Autobiographies and a collection of wonderful issues of eleven Derriere Le Mirroir, most of them with original Lithographs by Calder but also the rare, signed Artist Book: “A BESTIARY” – [One of 50 copies on luxurious Rives-mould, signed by Calder and Wilbur]. The collection includes early monographs as well as later catalogues and is a perfect chance to acquire some good understanding of his works in Mobiles, Stabiles and other art. See detailed description and every item within this collection listed under “Libraries & Collections” on our website.

Quarto. The collection includes books in different bindings: Original Hardcover with illustrated dustjacket / Original Softcover / Hardcover without dustjacket. Very good condition with only minor signs of wear. Most books in excellent condition.

10. Heraldic Illustration of the 18th century – Guillim, John / [ Edward Le Davis ] / [ Michael van der Gucht].

A Display of Heraldry. By John Guillim, pursuivant at Arms. The Sixth Edition [on fine paper]. Improv’d with large Additions of many hundred Coats of Arms, under their respective Bearings, with good Authorities from the Ashmolean Library, Sir George Mackenzie, &c. With his Tract of Precedency, containing all his Rules, Observations, Arguments, and chief Instances. To which is added, “A Treatise of Honour Military and Civil”, According to the Laws and Customs of England, By Capt. John Logan. Illustrated With the Arms, Crests, Supporters, and Motto’s of the Royal Familly, and Nobility: The Arms of the Sees of the English Bishops, and several of the Gentry. Together With the proper Habits of the different Degrees of the Nobility of England, and the Emblems of the chief Orders of Knighthood in Europe; all fairly engraven on Copper Plates. Also An Exact List of the Baronets, from their first Creation to this present Time; and most of their Arms Blazon’d. With an Account of the Customs, Government, and Privileges of the City of London, the other Cities of England, and Shire-Towns of each County, and their Arms. Likewise A Supplement of Scarce tracts relating to the Office of Arms, taken from Authentick Copies. And A Dictionary, explaining the several Terms used by Heralds, in English, Latin and French. With proper Tables to the Whole. [With 17 full-page, original portraits, engraved by Edward Le Davis and flemish engraver Michael van der Gucht / With 295 engraved crests / coat of arms, displayed on 47 pages].

London, R. and J. Bonwicke and R. Wilkin in St.Paul’s Church-Yard / And J. Walthoe and Tho. Ward, in the Temple, 1724. Folio (26 cm x 39 cm). Frontispiece, [5], 20 pp. [″The Introduction”], [1], 460 pp. [″A Display of Heraldry”], [2], 275 pp. [″Observations upon the Laws and Customs of Nations”], 58 pp. [″Honour Civil of the City of London”], 24 pp. [″Dictionary used by Heralds”], [11] pp. [″Alphabetical Table of the Names of the Nobility and Gentry”]. Illustrated and complete with 17 portraits of courtyard and apparatus and 47 plates, engraved on wood, reproducing a total of hundreds of coats of arms with coats, crests, lambrequins, helmets and coins. Very many coats of arms in the 2-columned text. Hardcover / Original 18th-century binding with modern restauration (rebacked) to the highest standards. Superior example of this publication ! Unusually excellent condition with only very minor signs of external wear. Frontispiece and last page of the work with minor crease. Two corners torn (two pages following the title), corner of page 185 torn and page 92 of the second part of the book with longer lesion within text (no loss of text). Endpapers and pastedown with some minor spotting. All these descriptions of faults sound worse than they are. Interior text, plates and portraits overall in unbelievably clean and excellent condition. Name of pre-owner in ink on title and verso frontispiece (″J.Stilwell”).