Fortune Press

Louys, Pierre. The Twilight of the Nymphs. 1928, drawings by Cecil Beaton, limited to 1200 copies, dust-jacket; another copy, without jacket; Aphrodite. 1928, drawings by Beresford Egan, limited to 1075 copies; Cyrian Masques. Translated by Ruby Melvill. Drawings by Beresford Egan. [c.1929], limited to 1200 copies on Kelmscott paper, presentation copy inscribed by the translator; The Song of Bilitis. n.d., one of 75 copies on unbleached handmade paper, in vellum--Huysman, J.K. Against the Grain. 1926, limited to 250 copies; Down There. n.d., limited to 2000 copies; and many others by many other authors (including Montague Summers, e.g. The Gothic Quest, Demoniality, The Grimoir), twentieth century, nearly all original cloth or other bindings and with dust-jackets where called for; with four boxes labelled "archival material" (a quantity)

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."

The Fortune Press was founded in 1924 by Reginald Ashley Caton (1897-1971). Many of the published books feature curious combinations of violence, poverty and "amatory unorthodoxy" (Timonthy d'Arch Smith, later owner of the Press from 1970-71). Caton encountered legal copyright conflicts with the Nonesuch Press in 1925 and 1926. Although the case was not ultimately taken to court, Caton faced trial when ten of his books were condemned for obscene libel.