Peake, Mervyn,

4to (249 x 180mm.), FIRST EDITION, illustrations throughout by the author, original cloth-backed pictorial boards, minor soiling to lower board; with a copy of the 1945 Eyre and Spottiswoode edition, dust-jacket; together in black cloth chemise and quarter black morocco slipcase (2)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A beautiful copy of the author and artist's legendarily rare first book, many copies of which are thought to have been destroyed in the Blitz. In his early work Peake's superb illustrations are based on the single line, adding texture by pen strokes ranging from light stippled dots to long, straight or curving lines. "The labour must have been prodigious: just one double spread, such as the scene depicting the crew of the Black Tiger pursuing the Yellow Creature, involves thousands of tiny dots and strokes..." (G. Peter Winnington, ed., Mervyn Peake. The Man and His Art, pp.101-2).