Pertelote, A Sequel to Chanticleer, Being a Bibliography of The Golden Cockerel Press, October 1936 - April 1943
London: The Golden Cockerel Press, (1943). Limited Edition. Hardcover. One of 200 of the deluxe edition, quarto size, 52 pp., signed by Christopher Sandford and Owen Rutter. Near fine. Item #260827020
To lovers of fine press books with wonderful wood engravings, the Golden Cockerel Press needs no introduction. This, their second bibliography, was published in 1943, during the height of World War II which so devastated Britain. Echoes of having to live every day with that war, being waged in one's own backyard, can be found in the book: the printer's device on the verso of the list of illustrators is of a cockerel wearing a gas mask; and throughout the Foreword, wherein the two partners laud all those who are sacrificing for the war, starts with "our lion-hearted Prime Minister who has stood and stands with us at bay", proceeds to "every man in every service who has done his bit", and down through their customers, "who love to have the books we love to make, and who, in spite of burnt libraries and reduced incomes, still support our cherished British tradition of making seemly books".
Included in this bibliography are many titles which we revere: Paradise Lost (with engravings by Mary Groom), their version of the Rubaiyat (with engravings by John Buckland-Wright), Glue and Lacquer (engravings by Eric Gill), and many more.
___DESCRIPTION: Binding by Sangorski & Sutcliffe of quarter red Niger with blue cloth covered boards which have a cockerel pattern in rust, top edge gilt, other edges uncut, frontispiece from item no. 113 by John Buckland-Wright, title page with border from item no. 113 and Pressmark cut for no. 141, also by Buckland-Wright, colophon on verso of title page, this no. 169 of the 200 deluxe copies, signed by Christopher Sandford and Owen Rutter; types Perpetua roman and Felicity italic on Arnold's mould-made paper, binding quarto size (10 1/4" by 6 5/8"), pagination: [1-6], 7-51, [52].
___CONDITION: Near fine overall, the leather spine is smooth and supple, the boards clean, the text block is strong and square with solid hinges, the interior pages are clean and bright, and the volume is free of prior owner markings; a very small hole to the front joint, very light wear to the corners, a very small hole to the front hinge (corresponding to that on the front joint), a few spots of light foxing throughout; a lovely, near fine copy of a bibliography both useful and beautiful.
___CITATION: Cockalorum no. 156.
___POSTAGE: International customers, please note the following: (i) additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs, please inquire for details; and (ii) any taxes, duty, or tariffs charged by your country will, of necessity, be your responsibility.
___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.
Price: $250.00