- 88
[Lear, Edward]
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- A Book of Nonsense by Derry Down Derry. T. McLean, [1855]
- paper
oblong 8vo (204 x 140mm.), second edition, lithographed pictorial title-page and 72 illustrations by the author, original pictorial boards, chemise and cloth slipcase, rebacked, some spotting, one illustration ("There was a young lady of Majorca...") possibly supplied, some minor dampstaining, new endpapers, covers slightly discoloured
Provenance
"Amy Dillwyn", contemporary presentation inscription to her from "J.C. Nicholl" on front endpaper
Literature
Vivien Noakes, Edward Lear 1812--1888, catalogue to exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, 1985, no.73 (listing an annotated proof copy and a presentation copy)
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
RARE. One of the two early hand-lithographed editions of Lear's Limericks (executed by the author himself), first published in 1846 (also McLean) and then reissued in 1855 in a typeset edition. These editions heralded the arrival of a new genre, bringing the long folk tradition of oral nonsense -- as handed on in nursery rhymes and mummers' plays -- into the literary fold. Both early lithographed editions are believed to have been printed in small editions of between 250 and 500 copies (see Justin Schiller, Nonsensus: cross-referencing Edward Lear's original 116 limericks with eight holograph manuscripts...., Stroud, 1988).