The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner : 30 Signed, Numbered And Captioned Aquatints By Alan Andrew Farrant: Very Scarce : A Limited Edition Of Only 50 Sets Published

Published in a limited edition of 50 signed and numbered copies, and contains 30 signed, numbered and captioned (in pencil) aquatints by Alan Andrew Farrant. Nos. 1-39 are loose within a tied linen-covered Solander box (468 x 330 x 55m), titled in black on the cover and on the spine. Nos. 40-50 were book bound. This is number 8. The aquatints are all in Fine condition. The Solander box is in near fine condition with just a little light marking and slight fading of the spine titling in a few places. The linen ties are all present. This boxed issue is in 13 gatherings of 2 sheets folded to 4 leaves (457 x 320m), with interspersed sheets (455 x 315mm) of plates (211 x 152mm) and guard sheets (365 x 246mm). Type filmset in Caxton Book. The Text is printed at Senefelder Press on Velin Arch Blanc 200gms. The aquatints were made in the workshop of Hugh Stonemen and printed on Velin Arch Blanc 270gms. The production was extensively reviewed by Walter Crawford in 'The Coleridge Bulletin New Series No 11, Spring 1998, pp 72-76' : 'Farrant wishes his 30 aquatints to 'illuminate' (rather than 'merely illustrate') the poem 'as a cautionary tale to all who are blessed at birth with the poet's or artist's gift of perception,' which is 'the very essence of the soul' and opens the soul to the inspiration of the Muse, 'But the soul is a delicate flower; easily crushed and corrupted by the delights of worldly pursuits' [Pr]. The aquatints were exhibited in February 1997 in the Brewhouse Gallery at Eton, where Farrant, 'an old Etonian', also met with students to discuss his works and the Coleridge's poem. A wonderful striking production which rarely appears on the market. Collectible. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.