The Chester Play Of The Deluge With Ten Wood-Engravings by David Jones : One Of The Special Copies With A Separate Set of The Prints On Japon : With A Complete Set Of The Publisher's Four Prospectii

Published by Clover Hill Editions, London in 1977. Number 'XXX1' of only 80 special copies, printed by Will Carter at the Rampant Lions Press on Barcham Green handmade paper, watermarked 'Clover Hill' (made for Douglas Cleverdon in 1936). The BOOK is in Fine condition, bound in quarter-morocco and marbled boards. Illustrated with ten wood engravings by David Jones, this title is considered by many to be the artist's most significant work. These engravings were initially printed in the Golden Cockerel edition in 1927. Jones, however, felt that the some of the delicacy of his wood engravings had been lost, as the paper was not properly dampened by the Press as they hurried to meet a deadline. According to the Publisher's Note by Douglas Cleverdon, Jones acquired the ten blocks in order to ensure that they would not be reprinted without his approval. In 1977, Jones agreed to 'Clover Hill Editions' reprinting the book using his original blocks, in the manner that he originally intended. In this present edition, the illustrations are at once dark, clear, and retain their minute detail in the fine lines. This copy also contains a separate portfolio of the ten wood engravings printed on Japon. In the portfolio, the images are printed directly from the blocks onto the Japon, revealing even greater clarity in Jones's work. The engravings are all in Fine condition. The book and portfolio are housed in the publisher's original linen slipcase with a printed paper label on the spine. Loosely inserted are the complete four publisher's Prospectii : The original prospectus only referring to the standard and special copies : A further one referring to the publication of seven 'Copies on Vellum' : The third referring to twenty five limited sets of prints on Japon and finally the fourth prospectus, which refers to all three formats and the sets on Japon. A very handsome production. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.