Symonds, John Addington

In the Key of Blue and other prose essays. Elkin Mathews and John Lane and (New York:) Macmillan and company, 1893, first edition, first issue in original blue cloth gilt (subsequently withdrawn because the designer Charles Ricketts did not like the colour), collector's box; second issue, in buff cloth, covers slightly worn, case and slipcase; with the limited issue, ONE OF 50 COPIES ON LARGE PAPER, ORIGINAL VELLUM GILT---Wine, Women, and Song. Medieval Latin Students' Songs Now first translated... with an essay by John Addington Symonds. Chatto and Windus, 1884, one of 50 large-paper copies, crushed brown morocco ornately gilt by Zaehnsdorf, top edge gilt; 8vo and 4to (4)

In the Key of Blue:] G. Krishnamurti, The Eighteen-Nineties, no. 642

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."

Ricketts' superb Art Nouveau design for In the Key of Blue is one of his finest.