Algernon Charles Swinburne, John Buckland-Wright / Laus Veneris Limited ed 1948

Description: Laus Veneris Author: Swinburne, Algernon Charles; Buckland-Wright, John (Illustrator) Title: Laus Veneris Publication: [London]: Golden Cockerel Press, 1948 Edition: Limited Edition Description: Buckland-Wright, John. Hardcover. One of 750 copies, quarto size, 30 pp., with prospectus. Near fine. Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837-1909) was a part of the Pre-Raphaelite circle which included Dante Gabriel Rossetti, at times with a "medievalising strain" inspired by Edward Burne-Jones; at one point Swinburne met William Morris which may have had an additional influence on his work. In this work Swinburne "explores the relationship between the femme fatale and the tragic lover"; speaking through the figure of the Knight, who is "doomed to live forever in the Venus mountain, with his goddess-love: the tragic aspect of the legend comes from the knight's belief that he has lost God's grace; thus although he gains his love, he conceives of this as a sin" (n.b., above info from Wiki and an article by Siobhan Lam, Brown University, 2006, on "The Victorian Web"). With lovely wood engravings by John Buckland-Wright (1897-1954), who was born in New Zealand and moved to England at a young age; initially a student of architecture he instead decided to pursue a career in art. He worked primarily with illustrating private press books, many for the Golden Cockerel Press; his "naturally elegant style, coupled with his abiding interest in the female form, created a distinctive and sensuous style" (n.b., quote from the web site of Brier Hill Gallery). ___DESCRIPTION: Bound in quarter purple cloth with marbled paper over boards, gilt lettering and publisher's device on the spine, top edge gilt, fore- and bottom edges uncut, illustrated title page, eleven total wood-engravings including the frontispiece; Perpetua type on mould-made paper, quarto size (10" by 6.5"), pagination: [1]-28 [1, blank], [1, colophon], limited edition of 750 copies, this no. 285. Loosely laid in is the prospectus, a single sheet measuring 9 3/4" by 6 1/4", the title page on the recto, one illustration and information on the verso. ___CONDITION: Near fine overall, the marbled paper sides clean (with some light rubbing on the back board), straight corners without rubbing, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior clean and bright, and entirely free of prior owner markings; the cloth on the spine lightly sunned with a hint of wear at the head and tail. The prospectus very good, with light toning, the original mailing fold and minor overall wear. ___CITATION: Cockalorum no. 178. ___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs; please inquire for details. ___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help. Seller ID: 33330922 Subject: Golden Cockerel Press, Poetry Swan's Fine Books Walnut Creek, CA Swan's Fine Books is an open shop located in the San Francisco Bay Area. We offer quality used, collectible, and rare books in a wide variety of general interest subjects. While we specialize in illustrated books, fine press books, and Californiana, we have books in many areas. We are members of the leading bookselling organizations, including the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA. Guarantee We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described. Shipping Our books are bubble-wrapped and securely packed in cardboard, with larger books always packed in a box. Our standard shipping is via Media Mail; expedited and international shipping is available, please contact us for a price quote BEFORE placing an order. We are happy to combine shipping on multiple items. Return Policies We cheerfully accept returns within 30 days, so long as the book(s) is/are returned in the same condition as when sent. Please give us advance notice of any book(s) you need to return, thank you.This listing was created by Bibliopolis.

Price: 500 USD

Location: Walnut Creek, California

End Time: 2024-02-28T01:57:08.000Z

Shipping Cost: 5 USD