Beardsley, Aubrey

small 4to, first edition, illustrated title-page, photogravure portraits of Beardsley and Smithers, original black cloth with geometric design in gilt, illustrated endpapers, collector's folding box, head and foot of spine very slightly bumped

Lasner 184

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."

This copy includes an autograph letter signed by Beardsley with initial ("a") to Leonard Smithers noting that he continues to live and hoping that his correspondent "flourish[es] still", he asks for copies of the "Savoys containing The three Musicians[,] The Ballad of a Barber and Catullus" but questions whether they are "entirely out of print". Beardsley concludes with a comment about "the O'Sullivan cover", asks after Smithers' injured leg and hopes to see him in Paris, 2 pages, 8vo, with autograph envelope (postmark 8 Oct 1897) laid-down, Foyot, Rue Tournon, Paris.

The majority of letters printed in the volume are in the collection of the Huntington Library. This example, laid-down to the reverse of the front free endpaper, is included in the volume as letter CLXII. At the time of publication, the letter appears to have been with Maggs Bros.