Kelmscott Press--Morris, William.

Poems by the Way. 1891, limited to 313 copies of which this is one of 300 on paper, presentation copy inscribed by the author ("to Robert Smith | from | William Morris | Nov: 5th 1891"),  ornamental woodcut border and initials, original vellum, silk ties, [Peterson A2], bookplate, auction description laid-down to front free endpaper, some light soiling to binding, lacking one tie; The Defence of Guenevere. 1892, limited to 310 copies of which this is one of 300 on paper, ornamental woodcut borders and initials, original limp vellum lettered in ink by Herbert Ellis, silk ties, [Peterson A5]; loose bookplate; both 8vo, printed in red and black (2)

Robert Smith (presentation inscription) [first volume]; Anderson Auction Co., ("Art and Literary Collections of Miss Emilie Grigsby... Part II") 29 January 1912, lots 613 and 621

 

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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."

Robert Smith had been one of Morris and Company's junior partners at their Merton Abbey factory. Peterson records Morris listing Smith as a recipient of a copy of the Kelmscott Shelley, but does not note the current presentation copy of the second book to be published by the press.

Both volumes are from the library of Emilie B. Grigsby (d. 1964). She was described in her New York Times obituary as 'an American woman of wealth' who entertained Yeats, Rodin, Kitchener and Rupert Brooke. She had been the mistress of Charles Tyson Yerkes (1837-1905), the Chicago street-car magnate. Her art and literary collections were sold by the New York Anderson Auction Company in 1912. Her bookplate was designed by René Lalique.