Braby, Dorothea--Lucas, F.L.

8vo, number 317 of 500 copies, wood-engraved title-vignette and 10 full-page illustrations by Dorothea Braby, title printed in gold, original buckram-backed pictorial boards, top edge gilt [Cockalorum 180, p.59]; together with 4 collector's boxes of additional material (5)

Condition is described in the 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 of Gilgamesh is accompanied by the prospectus, a sample of the decorative cloth and original drawings for the book, comprising 8 sheets of multiple pencil sketches, 12 large preliminary pencil drawings, 11 ink drawings in various stages for all but 3 of the final illustrations, most mounted; also a series of 9 studies in pencil or ink for the Press' cockerel as used in title and colophon pages; also 6 autograph postcards signed, and 5 long autograph letters, one short autograph note, all signed by Christopher Sandford to Dorothea Braby, 1944-1981; an autograph letter by Glyn Jones to Christopher Sandford; wood-engraved Christmas card 1954 from the Sandfords; also a collection of correspondence between Dorothea Braby, Betty Clark and Arthur Garrett comprising 5 autograph letters signed by Braby to Clark or Garrett, one autograph letter by Braby to Clark, one autograph list by Braby of her work, 2 autograph letters signed by Clark to Braby, 18 typed letters signed by Clark to Braby, 2 autograph letters signed by Garrett to Braby, 2 typed letters signed by Garrett to Braby, most mounted, 1979; all housed in 4 collector's folding cases.   

The January 1947 edition of The Studio wrote, "To sum it up, Dorothea Braby is a book-illustrator who uses her head, who takes infinite pains and brings research into her work ... who can draw superbly (this is quite unusual now), who has a complete command of her media, and a natural feeling for design ... and going from strength to strength, Dorothea Braby will sit among the mighty."