signed unbound
1892
by HEREFORD, Oliver (1863 - 1935)
1892. unbound. very good(+). Adorable pen and ink fantasy illustration and accompanying poem, no date, circa 1892, 10.5 x 7.5 inches -- a drawing of a whale with a human head bearing the likeness of Oliver Hereford, transporting his friends on his back as if he were a ferry. Below the drawing Hereford wrote the following: "Oh how I wish I were a whale And lived upon the sea Then when my friends desired to sail I'd say take 'Take one on me!" In a postscript he added: "This poem was written with great care and esteem for E.M. Stedman by his Playmate Oliver Hereford." Very good(+) condition. American writer, artist, and illustrator often called "The American Oscar Wilde." (Inventory #: 278997)