Cobden-Sanderson, T.J.--Wordsworth, William.

8vo, limited to 750 large-paper copies, etched portrait title-vignette, contemporary olive-green morocco gilt by T.J. Cobden-Sanderson signed and dated "18 C-S 87", covers with border pattern of large open flower buds, corners with pointille design, outer frame and central panel composed of groups of small circles, spine with flower buds, scrolled foliate border and dense pointille design, central panel lettered with author's name and date, inside edges with repeated foliate and pointille design, all edges gilt, with decorative tooling at outer edges, marbled endpapers, morocco-backed fitted case, spine slightly faded

Bain; Mrs. Hollins, thence by descent to the present owners

Marianne Tidcombe. The Bookbindings of T.J. Cobden-Sanderson 58; The Journals of Thomas James Cobden-Sanderson 1879-1922, Vol. I pp. 254, 395

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 rare cobden-sanderson binding, unlocated until now.

T.J. Cobden-Sanderson was apparently slightly displeased with what he percieved as defects in the leather, stating in his journals "Have just varnished the Wordsworth - am not altogether pleased with it, the leather shows defects." The open flower bud tool was used only the once on this volume and not repeated elswhere. The bookseller Bain declared this volume to be "perfect" before he sold it on to Mrs. Hollins.

This binding has remained only partly recorded since its completion and its whereabouts was generally unknown. It was not seen by Marianne Tidcombe who was able to record its existence only by a brief preliminary drawing for  the spine and a section of the binding. Bindings designed and then physically executed by Cobden-Sanderson remain rare, only five apparently being sold at auction in the past 30 years, of which the most recent was in 1995.

T.J. Cobden-Sanderson Design no. 45, tools 2h, 5k, 51, 5m, 6e, 7r-w. Bound at Goodyers, Feb. 8th, 1887. Cost £12 12s.