[Anonymous] Dante Alighieri / Cockerell, Douglas / North, John William / Ashendene Press Circle /

[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.

[Arabian Nights] Forster, Edward / [Provenance: Daniel Callaghan of Lotabeg].

The Arabian Nights, in Five Volumes. [Including “The History of Aladdin, or the Wonderful Lamp” / The History of Ali Baba and of the Forty Robbers, killed by one Slave” / etc.] Translated by The Reverend Edward Forster [based on the French version of Antoine Galland]. With [24] Engravings, from Pictures by Robert Smirke.

First Edition [Large Paper Quarto Edition]. Five Volumes (complete set with all engravings). London, Printed for William Miller, 1802. Quarto (21.5 cm x 27.5 cm). Volume I: LXI, (7), 385 pages with 5 copper-engravings including Errata-Leaf and “Directions for placing the Plates” for all four volumes / Volume: 432 pages with 5 copper-engravings / 405 pages with 5 copper-engravings / 461 pages with 5 copper-engravings / 474 pages with 5 copper-engravings. Hardcover / Original, early 19th century full leather with gilt lettering and date on lower spine [″London, 1802”]. Beautiful, richly ornamented master-bindings. All Volumes in strong, protective collector’s Mylar, which invites the reader/collector to use the work without fear of handling. Armorial Bookplates / ExLibris of Daniel Callaghan, Esquire of Lotabeg (MP for Cork City 1830-1849) to all five pastedowns (Motto: “Fidus et Audax”). Marbled endpapers a little dusty but beautiful. Volume 1, 2 and 5 with some weakening to the spine (slightly cracked), but holding and still firm overall. All plates present. As known and always found with this scarce edition, the original, titled tissue-guards all in place, have created stronger signs of foxing to the plates but in sharp contrast the text in all the five Volumes in bright and clean condition with only occasional faint staining. Endpapers with some minor browning. Very good+ condition overall with some rubbing and minor bumping to the Volumes but really only minor signs of external wear. Extremely sought after publication, not to be confused with the later, much more common Octavo Editions !

Beale, S. Sophia.

The Amateur’s Guide to Architecture. With Numerous Illustrations.

Edinburgh, John Grant, 1905. 12.5 cm x 18.5 cm. Frontispiece with guard, X, 180 pages. Numerous engraved illustrations throughout text. Prize-Binding in beautifully bound Hardcover (full navy morocco) with gilt lettering on red title-label on spine with raised bands and gilt-tooled decoration to compartments. Gilt amorial stamp of Wimborne Grammar School (now Queen Elizabeth’s School) embossed on front board. Ornate gillt ruling board edges. Marvelously marbled pastedowns, endpapers and edges. Very good condition with only minor signs of external wear. With protecive mylar. Few very small abrasions to leather at spine only. Crack to gutter between front endapers. Binding still good and firm. Some very minor foxing to otherwise clean and bright interior. Dated (July 1909) inscription from A.D.H Allan, Headmaster, and discreet stamps on front endpapers

[Bumpus Bookshop – Binding] Foster, J.J.

The Stuarts: Being Outlines of the Personal History of the Family. Illustrated from Portraits, Miniatures &c. in the Most celebrated Collections.

London, Dickinsons, 1907. 4°. Frontispiece, (10), 250 pages with 34 full-page plates (Portraits). Edges gilt. Hardcover / Excellent full morocco – binding on five raised bands for Bumpus Ltd. Oxford St, probably bound by Sangorski and Sutcliffe. With gilt lettering on ornaments on spine and coat of arms on front board. The image shown is identical with our edition. Front board slightly weakened. Otherwise in near Fine condition with only minor signs of wear. Bookplate to pastedown. Spine darkened. Bookplate of John Henry Hervey Vincent Lane (Kings Bromley / Staffordshire) to pastedown.

Caesar, Julius / Charles-Marie-Raymond Duc d’Arenberg.

[De Bello Gallico / De Bello Alexandrino / De Bello Africano / De Bello Hispaniensi ] C. Julii Caesaris Quae Extant Omnia. Ex Recensione Joannis Davisii, Coll. regin. Cantab. Socii, cum Ejusdem Animadversionibus ac Notis Pet. Ciacconii, Fr. Hotomanni, Joan. Brantii, Dionys Vossii et aliorum. Accessere Metaphrasis Graeca. Librorum VII. De Bello Gallico. Nec Non Indices necessarii.

Cantabrigiae [Cambridge], Typis Academicis Impensis Joannis Owens, 1706. Quarto. (4), 751, (5), 96 pages plus 34 pages Index. Including two folded maps (Gallia / Pompeium aer Caesarem (Mare Mediterraneum with Southern Europe and North Africa/Asia Minor) and one folded illustration: “Pontis Figura a Caesare decem diebus ad Rhenum trajiciendum effecti” / (4), 751, (5), 96 Seiten plus 34 Seiten Index mit zwei Faltkarten von Gallien und dem Mittelmeerraum sowie einer gefalteten Abbildung einer Behelfsbrücke über den Rhein. Full 18th century calf with gilt lettering on spine and emblemata of Charles-Marie-Raymond Duc d’Arenberg. Very good +/ Near Fine condition with only minor signs of wear and a faded dampstain throughout. Exlibris of “Comte Goblet d’Alville” on pastedown / Sehr guter Zustand mit nur ganz geringen Gebrauchsspuren und einem durchgehenden, aber ganz dezent verblassten Wasserrand. Mit dem Exlibris des “Compte Goblet d’Alville. Wappensupralibro des Duc d’Arenberg.

[Corker, Ruth / Falkiner, Ruth (1693 – 1760) of St Stephen’s Green, Dublin] – Watts, Isaac.

Armorial Binding from the library of Ruth Corker with manuscript entries regarding the History of family-relations and marriage of Ruth Corker (born Falkiner) of St.Stephen’s Green in Dublin during the years 1693 – 1760. The armorial binding is containing the rare fifth edition of the important Prayer – Guide by english Theologian, Hymn-writer and Logician, Isaac Watts: “A Guide to Prayer : Or A Free and Rational Account of the Gift, Grace and Spirit of Prayer; With plain Directions how every Christian may attain them”.

The Fifth Edition. London, Printed for Emanuel Matthews, 1730. Small Octavo. [5], 156, [1] pages. Hardcover / Original, early 18th century full-leather with armorial embossing to both boards. New spine-label. Ruth Corker’s Library-stamp verso the titlepage. This used to be Ruth Corker’s mother’s book prior to her own and the name Mary Falkiner is written in ink on top of the Preface-page. Manuscript entry “Ruth Corker Her Book 1731” on halftitle with several entries informing on marriages and relationships within the Falkiner and Corker and Robinson – family added obviousy by a later relative (Ruth Robinson, who was married to Robert Robinson). Excellent condition with only minor signs of wear.

Crane, Walter / Kearton, Richard / Kearton, Cherry / English, Douglas / Ward, John J. / Lockyer, J.S. / Irving, Henry / Fitzgerald, H. Purefoy.

The Nature Book – A Popular Description by Pen and Camera of the Delights and Beauties of the Open Air. Profusely illustrated with Photographs and numerous coloured plates by famous artists.

Three Volumes (complete). London / New York / Toronto / Melbourne, Cassell and Company, no year (c.1912). Quarto. 1128 pages with hundreds of illustrations. Hardcover / Spectacular binding with gilt lettering and ornament to covers. Binding signed; “K” within the illustration on front board. Excellent condition with only minor signs of external wear. The magnificent gilted illustrations on cover in unusually excellent condition. Presentation copy from Anatomy Professor D.P. Fitzgerald, Professor of Anatomy UCC Cork, to his colleague Andrew Whelton (Cork City). A handwritten entry by D.P. Fitzgerald reads: “Bound in Nov.1913”.

Ernst, Otto.

Ein frohes Farbenspiel. [Rare Art Nouveau Binding / Jugendstileinband]

Siebzehntes Tausend. Leipzig, Staackmann, 1906. 11 cm x 19 cm. 191 Seiten. Originaler Jugendstileinband / Original illustrated hardcover. Sehr guter, aussergewoehnlicher Zustand mit den originalen Vorsatzblaettern / Very good condition with only very minor signs of external wear. [Humoristische Plaudereien von Otto Ernst].

Foster, Vere [Henry Louis / Lewis] / [Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire / Elizabeth, Duchess of Devonshire].

The Two Duchesses – Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire / Elizabeth, Duchess of Devonshire – Family Correspondence of and Relating to Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire / Elizabeth, Duchess of Devonshire, Earl of Bristol (Bishop of Derby), The Countess of Bristol, Lord and Lady Byron, The Earl of Aberdeen, Sir Augustus Foster Bart, and Others, 1777-1859. Second Edition [Revised] Unique version of the second edition, with a multitude of additional, uncalled-for illustrations (Portraits) and an original engraving of Harper’s Ferry (Virginia).

One Volume bound in two Volumes due to added images (complete set). London / Glasgow and Dublin, Blackie & Son Limited, 1898. Octavo (15 cm x 22 cm). Pagination: Volume I: An extra-illustrated edition, with 96 plates instead of the only 18 plates which were called for according to the inventory pages of the set. Hardcover / Two stunning, privately commissioned, red morocco bindings with five raised bands as well as gilt lettering and ornament to spine, boards and inner pastedown-borders. Excellent condition with some minor signs of wear only. Both Volumes firm and endpapers intact. Interior beautiful and clean with a plethora of illustrations added into this rare second edition with the portraits reflecting personalities touched upon in the letters published by Vere Foster. The often rare portraits of contemporaries to the Duchess of Devonshire and Vere Foster’s father, Sir Augustus Foster, are of significance since many of them are now scarce as well.

Hennessy, R.M. / [Molloy, Constantine] / [Wolfe, Jasper Travers].

The Justice of the Peace for Ireland. – A Treatise on the Powers and Duties of Magistrates in Ireland. In Cases of Summary Jurisdiction and in other Matters founded partly on Molloy’s Justice of the Peace. With an Appendix of Statutes.

Dublin, Hodges, Figgis & Co., 1910. Large Octavo. XXXVII, 989 pages. Original Hardcover (beautiful full calf binding with original spinelabel and original leather flap). Very good condition with some minor signs of external wear. Excellent Provenance: From the library of irish independent politician and solicitor Jasper Travers Wolfe of Skibbereen. With Jasper Wolfe’s name in ink on the endpaper. The price for this Volume includes the 1890-edition of Molloy’s “Justice of Peace (see images – Titlepage of this Volume is missing / The Volume belonged to William Boyle, Solicitor in Coote Hill).