Description: Bill the Minder Author: [Fine Binding - Bayntun-Riviere] Robinson, W. Heath Title: Bill the Minder Publication: London: Constable, 1912 Edition: Limited edition Description: Limited to 380 copies signed by the artist, this being copy no. 228. Quarto (10 5/8 x 8 1/2 in; 270 x 215 mm). xiv, [2], 254, [2] pp. Sixteen tipped-in color plates, including frontispiece, with captioned tissue guards, and 117 black and white illustrations, including full title-pages, vignettes, head- and tailpieces. An exceptional and unique 'inlaid binding', c. 1982, by Bayntun-Rivière (designed and finished by Christopher Lewis) in full red crushed morocco with multi-colored pictorial inlays and black-stamped flowers that reproduce the color plate, "The King of Troy Compelled to Ask His Way," opposite p. 30, within a blind-tooled frame surrounded by gilt double-ruled borders. Raised bands with gilt tools and compartments with gilt ornaments within a gilt double-ruled frame highlight the spine. Gilt rolled edgework. Gilt decorated turn-ins. All edges gilt. Cockerell endleaves. A very fine copy. Housed in the original red cloth slipcase.“In Bill the Minder Heath Robinson really found himself. The story is a simple tale or a series of tales about the wanderings of the King of Troy and a boot-cleaner called Bill, who became the Minder (today he would be called a baby-sitter) to the bad-tempered family of a bad-tempered mushroom-gatherer named Crispin. Like most of Heath Robinson’s characters, Bill was a solemn little person who took his minding very seriously, even to the extent of studying at the British Museum and in the Minding Room of the Patents Museum at South Kensington. Soon his fame as a Minder spread and he found himself minding a large flock of children. One day they were out in the fields, being minded by Bill, they found an eccentric old man in a haystack. It was the King of Troy, who had been banished from his country. With Bill’s assistance, the children set out on a journey, and through a series of adventures they restore this unworldly old gentleman to his throne. In the process they meet some very droll characters. These are the substance of some of Heath Robinson’s wittiest drawings” (Lewis).Chris Lewis was one of Bayntun-Rivière's most talented 'finishers'. He designed and finished many unique inlaid bindings during his time at Bayntun-Rivière in the sixties and then again prior to his death in the late eighties. “The Riviere Bindery was one of the most notable and prolific shops in London's West End from about 1840 through 1939” (Princeton). Bath-based Bayntun Bindery acquired the firm in 1939, transforming into the “Bayntun-Riviere bindery,” which is still in existence and family owned. Fine Seller ID: 6208 Subject: Fine Bindings and Sets, Illustrated Books, Literature Whitmore Rare Books was founded in 2010 with the aim of drawing together exceptional first editions of important literary works. Over the past several years, the shop has become a world-class destination for both seasoned collectors as well as those people newly discovering the field. WRB maintains a reputation for rigorous research and integrity, for discriminating taste, and for creating a space where collectors can interact with amazing copies of the books they love. Terms All orders ship within three business days. All items are guaranteed to be as described or they may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a full refund.This listing was created by Bibliopolis.
Price: 4800 USD
Location: Pasadena, California
End Time: 2024-12-05T21:17:25.000Z
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Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
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Author: Fine Binding - Bayntun-Riviere] Robinson, W. Heath
Publisher: Constable
Year Printed: 1912
Language: English
Subject: Illustrated