Lot 8
  • 8

Bridges, Robert

Estimate
3,500 - 4,500 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • [The Testament of Beauty. Oxford: Printed by the Oxford University Press, 1927–1929]
  • Paper, ink, leather
4to, 5 fascicles, sewn and unbound (11 x 8 5/8 in.; 279 x 219 mm). Original white unprinted wrappers; very minor wear and soiling.  Full brown morocco gilt case by Riviere, brass locks, lined in brown moire with matching chemise. 

 

Provenance

Sir Herbert Warren (with letter from the author) — Simon Nowell-Smith (bookplate) — Judith Adams Nowell-Smith (bookplate) 

Literature

Hayward 287

Condition

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

The private issue, in five parts, printed in an edition of 25 copies " for the convenience of the Author" as a basis for the revision of the poem. This copy was exhibited in John Hayward's 1947 exhibition of English poetry for the National Book League and in the 1951 exhibition of books exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum for the Festival of Britain.

Although the edition was 25 copies, part V, according to the colophon, one of 4 copies only, another 17 being run off later.  Each of parts I-III has pencil notations in Bridges' hand, the first with the words De Rerum Natura, his original title, pencilled but largely erased.

This copy was presented by Bridges to Sir Herbert Warren, President of Magdalen, and contains an ALS from Bridges to Warren in which he wrote, "This magnificent setting up was an inestimable assistance to me in my work." With this set is included a copy of the earlier issue of the fifth part, without the words "and 17 copies in October" in the colophon.