first edition
1911 · New York and London
by Wells, H.G.
New York and London: The Village Press, Mitchell Kennerley, 1911. First Edition. First Edition. Folio. Original beige cloth backed light maroon paper covered boards with central bold gilt lettering on cover, printed paper label on spine. A wonderful Association Copy: Mitchell Kennerley's Own Copy of this celebrated book which he published and helped design, and laid in is a PROOF of a floriated border used as the first headpiece in the book (the bears pencil notation denoted number, and sizing, etc). As well, Kennerley's copy also has laid in a holograph note he wrote describing the book: "Frederick W. Goudy/ composition by Bertha Goudy at the Village Press, Kennerley Type specifically designed for this volume by Frederic W. Goudy (see Cary bibliography of The Village Press." The TRUE FIRST EDITION, complete with 10 exquisite photogravures from plates prepared by the artist and printed under his personal supervision. Printed by Bertha S. Goudy of the Village Press, NY with "Kennerley" type designed by Frederick W. Goudy for this volume. Our copy containing the complete run of 10 gravures in original state, (Limited edition of 600 copies on French hand-made paper, of which only 300 copies have the complete hand-pulled photogravure illustrations, as this copy). The photographer, Alvin Langdon Coburn (1882-1966), was a close friend of Alfred Stieglitz, and had numerous shows at Gallery 291. Intricate and attractive decorative initials and headpieces throughout by Frederic Goudy. Corners bumped, usual offset oxidation from photogravures, a near fine copy of a wonderful and significant Association Copy bringing together many luminaries in the art and printing world.
(Inventory #: 6093)