Highlights

Original autograph letter, signed `Chas. Lyell' from Kirriemuir, 17 Aug. 1870, to an unnamed correspondent, (the publisher, John Murray?). The letter concerns proofs and corrections to his `work relating to the Sheppey fruits'. Sir Charles Lyell (1797-1874) was the leading geologist of the day. He was a close and influential friend of Charles Darwin. This letter is concerned with Lyell's soon to be published book, most probably `Elements of Geology, Students Series' which was published in 1871

Leipzig: BernhardTauchnitz, 1863. Copyright edition. vellum. Small octavo : two volumes bound in one : pp.vi + 328+ vi + 310 (2, blank) : bound in full vellum decorated in elaborate gilt : all edges gilt, concealing aFINE FORE EDGE PAINTING : foliate printed endpapers with label of G. Brogi on the verso of f.f.e.p. Title on top board slightly faded, some slight darkening to the vellum at edges and corner. Both volumes lack a half title page but conform to Todd and Bowden 682Aa and 683A in all other respects. In other words, a first Tauchnitz impression of this title. Near fine. Item #1558

PROUST, Marcel: An autograph letter signed ‘Marcel’ to Maria Madrazo, sister of composer Reynaldo Hahn, Proust’s intimate friend and sometime lover. Proust writes to persuade his ‘Chère amie’ that his financial troubles (apparently mentioned in an earlier letter) are transitory and that he is horrified that she believed he was asking to borrow money.

DAWSON, James. Australian Aborigines. The languages and customs of several tribes of Aborigines in the Western District of Victoria. Melbourne 1881. Quarto with two mounted albumen photographic portraits. Original gilt-decorated cloth. A good copy of this rare item

The only complete work of Jules-Georges dit Jean Floux (1855-1892), French poet, journalist, and member of the Montmartre group Le Chat Noir. This copy inscribed by Floux to Benjamin Constant (1845-1902), one of the illustrators, and in a unique art nouveau binding signed by Louis Deze (1857-1930). Deze bindings are rare with many destroyed during World War II. The Mistresses is a “collection full of exquisite verses and promises that the author would certainly have kept, if the cruel death had not come to strike him in full youth” (Bertrand Millanvoye: Anthologie des poètes de Montmartre).

London: James Ridgway, 1827-1828. 8vo. Contemporary half oasis. Spine gilt and raised bands. Edges gilt. In protective slip-case. Comprising title-page, index/list of books quoted leaf, plus 56 magnificent brilliant hand-coloured engraved plates each with 2pp. of descriptive letterpress text. Previous owners bookplates on front end-papers. Slight foxing on end-papers, otherwise fine and complete. Scarce. Ferguson 1144.

Book of Hours leaf printed on vellum, c.1512 by Vostre, Paris. Many metalcuts including Saint Christopher carrying the child Jesus, dragons, grotesques, Saint Sebastian being martyred, the Delphic Sybil and an elephant. Coloured initials added by hand after the printing. Near mint condition, sharply printed on clean vellum.

With a Foreword by T. E. Lawrence. First edition. With a typed four-page letter, signed, from the author to Captain Michael Scott. The letter is accompanied by a signed Christmas card from Thomas, presumably to Michael Scott.

London, Constable & Co, 1925. First edition. Martin Boyd's first novel, published under a nom de plume.