Apr 30, 2008 10:00 EST
Books and Prints
49
CRANACH PRESS
SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM. Die Tragische Geschichte von Hamlet Prinzen von Daenmark. Weimar: Cranach Presse, 1929. One of 213 copies on regular paper, this copy 217 (there were also examples on Japanese and animal vellum). Full crimson morocco, the deluxe issue binding (probably by Otto Dorfner, though not signed); covers with single gilt rules, spine with five raised bands. 14 inches (35 cm), top edge gilt. 202 pp., including title, plus colophon leaf. Printed in red and black (in the typeface designed for the press by Edward Johnston) on Gaspard Maillol's handmade paper. Illustrated throughout with wood engravings by Edward Gordon Craig, half-title lettering by Eric Gill. Offsetting from the doublures to the free endpaper. Preserved in a slipcase.
This copy has two fine wood engravings by Craig printed on animal vellum laid in, approcimate sheet sizes 13 x 9 inches (33 x 23 cm). These are for the half-title vignette and the illustration on p. 72, each initialed in pencil by Craig. The second of these proofs exhibits significant variation from the published version of the engraving. Ransom 253.
Sold for $12,500
Estimated at $4,000 - $6,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
CRANACH PRESS
SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM. Die Tragische Geschichte von Hamlet Prinzen von Daenmark. Weimar: Cranach Presse, 1929. One of 213 copies on regular paper, this copy 217 (there were also examples on Japanese and animal vellum). Full crimson morocco, the deluxe issue binding (probably by Otto Dorfner, though not signed); covers with single gilt rules, spine with five raised bands. 14 inches (35 cm), top edge gilt. 202 pp., including title, plus colophon leaf. Printed in red and black (in the typeface designed for the press by Edward Johnston) on Gaspard Maillol's handmade paper. Illustrated throughout with wood engravings by Edward Gordon Craig, half-title lettering by Eric Gill. Offsetting from the doublures to the free endpaper. Preserved in a slipcase.
This copy has two fine wood engravings by Craig printed on animal vellum laid in, approcimate sheet sizes 13 x 9 inches (33 x 23 cm). These are for the half-title vignette and the illustration on p. 72, each initialed in pencil by Craig. The second of these proofs exhibits significant variation from the published version of the engraving. Ransom 253.
Auction: Books and Prints, Apr 30, 2008
