[Binding, Fine- W. H. Smith, under direction of Douglas Cockerell] Aucassin and Nicolette, One of Six Copies with Inscription by Bourdillon

London: Kegan Paul, Trench & Co., 1887.

First edition thus. Tall and thick folio size (12 x 15"). Bound in full dark red crushed morocco in unmistakable Douglas Cockerell designed binding at the W. H. Smith Bindery with geometric interlocking gilt ruled patterning on both covers and spine, with four small gilt circles used as patterning on covers and spine. ONE OF ONLY SIX SPECIAL COPIES with the following holograph note by Bourdillon on facing page to half-title: "Six copies (only) printed of this size/ to take Proof sets of Bida's etchings/ designed for his own rendering into/ Modern French. (Paris, 1878)/ F. W. Bourdillon." Each of the 18 fine etchings by Bida, Alexandre is present in two states (for a total of 18 plates). The WHS monogram appears on the rear dentelle in gilt pallet. TEG, others uncut. Extremely wide margins, nearly four times that of the printed block. Some wear to corners and edges, some marks to covers but unobtrusive, usual foxing present on some of the plates. A splendid example of this Douglas Cockerell binding at the Smith Bindery, on such a rare and prodigious printing.

Price: $2,750.00   Item #3573