Search Results: Authors starting with I from Swan's Fine Books

Basauri: (Grafilur, Impresion y Encuadernacion (Printing and Binding), 1990. Hardcover. Fine/Very Good Minus. Ibarrola, Agustin. Quarto size, 118 pp., inscribed by Agustin Ibarrola, in Spanish and Basque. A catalogue of an exhibit of the work of Spanish Basque painter and sculptor Agustin Ibarrola (b. 1930), known for his work expressing commitment to both social and environmental issues; laid into the book is a photograph, presumably taken by the prior owner, of Ibarrola's "Painted Forest" with the date of March, 1998. Inscribed by artist "A Suzanne mi abrago (?) / Ibarrola" in blue ink on the copyright page. ___DESCRIPTION: Quarter black cloth with heavy cardboard covers, black endpapers, title page information in silver lettering on the front free endpaper, followed by a full-colour portrait of the artist in front of his work, copyright info on the verso with author's inscription in blue ink; chapters divided by black paper with cut-outs, samples of his work reproduced in full-colour, some… Read More

London: George C. Harrap & Co. Ltd, 1936. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine/very good +. Rackham, Arthur. First trade edition, quarto size, 256 pp., with original dust jacket. This volume the first trade edition of this work with the illustrations of Arthur Rackham (1867-1939), an eminent illustrator of many books which often depict fantasy and fairy tale subjects. Rackham contributed illustrations to many popular stories, such as "Cinderella", "Sleeping Beauty", "Alice in Wonderland", and the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. Known for his ability to produce both eerie, almost feral trees, goblins, and assorted other ne'er-do-wells while at the same time bringing to life breathtakingly lovely fairies, princesses, and good children, all brought to life by the incredibly talented Arthur Rackham. ___DESCRIPTION: Bound in full brown cloth over boards, gilt decoration and lettering on the front and spine, pictorial endpapers, half-title with decoration in green, title page with small illustration above a… Read More

London: George G. Harrap & Company Limited [printed at the Complete Press], 1915. First Edition. Wraps. Very good. Pogany, Willy. Two volumes, duodecimo size, [24] pp. in each volume. Hungarian illustrator Willy Pogany (1882-1955), a contemporary of monumental illustrators such as Edmund Dulac and N. C. Wyeth, was strongly influenced by botanical designs and the Art Nouveau movement; Pogany illustrated numerous fairy tales and children's stories, demonstrating a fine attention to detail and line work. The "Mother Goose" stories have delighted children for centuries, making their first appearance as early as 1697 in "Stories or Tales of Times Past". The frontis for this volumes depicted an old woman spinning next to a fireplace and telling stories to young children. Eventually "Mother Goose" became associated more with nursery rhymes than tales, as in these two volumes. The first, "Mother Goose", relates the tale of "Little Mother Goose" on the first thirteen pages (please note there are some… Read More

Waltham Saint Lawrence: The Golden Cockerel Press, 1928. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Near fine/good +. One of 500 copies, duodecimo size, 67 pp., with original dust jacket. We find etiquette books such as this a delight to read, providing as they do glimpses into a world long gone. This book, for example, contains a chapter on the then-new "waltzing" with a warning to parents about the perils of unmarried couples touching. The Contents lists such topics as "Introductions", "Visitors and Visiting", "Waltzing", "Marriage", "Servants", and "the Philosophy of certain Fashionable Observances". This charming publication by the Golden Cockerel Press contains four engravings on copper by Hester Sainsbury (1890-1967) who, although apparently had no formal art training, provided the illustrations for the first book of the Favil Press, a small collection of Sainsbury's poems, among many others (see Horne p. 381). She "became a successful artist and print-maker in the 1920s, being known among other things for… Read More

London and Manchester: S. Hildesheimer and Co. Limited, 1890. Wraps. Very good. Sixmo size, 14 pp. First published in 1823 (anonymously) it is safe to say that this short poem, also known as "The Night Before Christmas" or " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" has for two hundred years been enjoyed by generation after generation, generally shaping, in many ways, the way many of us celebrate Christmas. Generally attributed to Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863), although with some disputing his authorship, it is known to be "arguably the best-known verses ever written by an American" (n.b., quote from Wiki). Having been published and re-published countless times, this small version with charming illustrations by Eliza F. Manning (of whom we could find little information, other than that she was referred to the "Iron Maiden"). Published by S. Hildesheimer & Co., a London company mostly known for postcards and greeting cards. They primarily used chromo-lithography (as with this volume) with the printing… Read More

New York: The Limited Editions Club, 1973. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Fine/near fine. Neama, May. No. 351 of 1500 copies, quarto size, 141 pp., signed by May Neama, with LEC Monthly Newsletter and Announcement. A master of letters and wit, French writer Francois-Marie Arouet, best known by his pen name Voltaire, wrote on numerous subjects and in numerous forms, often advocating for civil liberties and criticising institutions such as the Catholic Church. "Candide" remains his best known work, a satire critical of the German philosopher Leibniz and his optimism. This publication by the Limited Editions Club is illustrated by May Neama, whose watercolours, though colourful and playful, illuminate the tension in the story as Candide's colourful and optimistic world is shaken and ultimately dismantled as he experiences hardships in the world. ___DESCRIPTION: Quarter white leather with maroon cloth boards, gilt lettering and ornaments inside a white rectangle diagonally across the front and rear… Read More

New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1908. Hardcover. Very good. First US edition, quarto size, [130] pp., with twenty colour plates. William Heath Robinson (1872-1944) was an exemplary book illustrator and cartoonist, "the only British illustrator to become a household name" (Houfe), a contemporary of acclaimed illustrators Arthur Rackham and Edmund Dulac, best known for his cartoons portraying elaborate and whimsical machinary made to complete simple tasks. In fact, his fame was such that the term "Heath Robinson" was used in the United Kingdom to refer to such machinary, much as the term "Rube Goldberg" was used in the United States. This the sequel to "The Monarchs of Merry England" and relates the history of the Kings and Queens of England, delightfully (and somewhat wickedly) illustrated by Robinson. This part covers the reigns of Henry VIII through Edward VII and is complete, with all twenty colour plates. ___DESCRIPTION: Bound in paper-covered bevelled boards with a red cloth spine,… Read More

London: Henry Frowde / Hodder & Stoughton, n.d.. Hardcover. Very good. Preston, Chloe; Howard-Vyse, George. Large octavo size, [52] pp. Chloe Preston provided the illustrations for twelve "Peek-A-Boo" books (per Baumgarten); interestingly, this title not listed. With the introduction of anthropomorphised animals Preston seems to have been inspired by Beatrix Potter, whose "Peter Rabbit" was first published in 1901. Information on Chloe Preston (1887-1969) is a bit elusive; from various online sources we gleen that she was born in Britain "in a gentrified English country environment". Her charming illustrations of the Chunkies (anthropomorphic wooden dolls) and the Peek-a-Boos have "clear simple outlines and bright colours, [and] her humorous images portray simple excursions and activities" (n.b., quotes from the web site of the Antique Print Club). ___DESCRIPTION: Paper-covered boards, white lettering on the front board debossed and outlined in black, full-colour pictorial circular paper onlay… Read More

London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press, 1923. Hardcover. Very good/good. Preston, Chloe. Square quarto size, 43 pp., with original jacket. Mary Clarissa "May" Byron (1861-1936) was a prolific author of children's books. Baumgarten lists twenty-seven titles, including the "Peek-a-Boo" series. In this book, the Peek-A-Boos decide to play at being in a "gipsy" caravan, and what happens when they meet some real gipsies... Chloe Preston (1887-1969) seems a bit more elusive; from various online sources we gleen that she was born in Britain "in a gentrified English country environment". Her charming illustrations of the Chunkies (anthropomorphic wooden dolls) and the Peek-a-Boos have "clear simple outlines and bright colours, [and] her humorous images portray simple excursions and activities" (n.b., quotes from the web site of the Antique Print Club). ___DESCRIPTION: Blue cloth shelfback with blue paper over boards, the front board illustrated, white lettering on the front outlined in black,… Read More

New York: Hodder & Stoughton, 1915. Hardcover. Very good. Preston, Chloe. Oblong folio, [80] pp. Mary Clarissa "May" Byron (1861-1936) was a prolific author of children's books; information on Chloe Preston (1887-1969) seems a bit elusive; from various online sources we gleen that she was born in Britain in 1887, "in a gentrified English country environment". Her charming illustrations of the Peek-a-Boos have "clear simple outlines and bright colours, [and] her humorous images portray simple excursions and activities" (n.b., quotes from the web site of the Antique Print Club). Chloe Preston provided the illustrations for twelve "Peek-A-Boo" books (per Baumgarten); this title listed in Baumgarten with Frowde as the UK publisher, this volume likely the first U.S. edition. Preston follows the adventures of Jemima, Washington, Theodore and Jane as they decide to go "to town". ___DESCRIPTION: Paper-covered boards with red cloth spine, yellow lettering on the front board outlined in black, full-colour… Read More

Philadelphia: David McKay, n.d.. Hardcover. Very good. Preston, Chloe. Quarto size, 50 pp. Chloe Preston (1887-1969) illustrated many children's books, and on this work hers is the only name printed on the front board; the author is given credit on the title page, but in smaller lettering, and underneath, that of Chloe Preston. Information on Preston seems a bit elusive; from various online sources we gleen that she was born in Britain "in a gentrified English country environment". Her charming illustrations of the Chunkies (anthropomorphic wooden dolls), the Bo-Peeps and the Peek-a-Boos have "clear simple outlines and bright colours, [and] her humorous images portray simple excursions and activities" (n.b., quotes from the web site of the Antique Print Club). This volume undated; it was first published in 1914, per "The Publisher's Weekly" for September 26, 1914: "The Busy Bo - Peeps / Pictured by Chloe Preston / Rhyme / The exciting adventures of Carl , Betsy , Babykins and their Dog Buzzy are… Read More

New York: The Limited Editions Club [printed at the Lane Press], 1965. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Fine/near fine. Groth, John. No. 351 of 1500, quarto size, 384 pp., signed by John Groth, with announcement and LEC Monthly Letter. A master of the short story form, William Sydney Porter (1862-1910), known by his pen name O. Henry, was a prolific writer whose works are known for their gentle humour and twist endings; his story "The Gift of the Magi" is perhaps his best known and most beloved tale, with numerous adaptations and parodies having been made since its publication. This volume by The Limited Editions Club contains an array of stories by O. Henry, with illustrations by American painter John Groth (1908-1988), whose animated mark making renders the characters and scenes of the stories with a spirited energy. ___DESCRIPTION: Full olive-striped cloth, red leather spine label with gilt lettering, ruled borders, and ornaments, title page with illustration by John Groth in brown, full-colour… Read More

New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1891. First Edition. Hardcover. Very good +. Humphrey, Maud. First printing, quarto size, [46] pp. A collection of the nursery rhymes of Mother Goose, including classic children's verses such as "Jack and Jill", "Little Miss Muffett", and "Little Bo Peep", this volume is lusciously illustrated by American watercolourist Maud Humphrey (1868-1940); a very successful commercial illustrator, Humphrey was the mother of famed actor Humphrey Bogart, whom she would use as a model when he was a child. Throughout her career, Humphrey illustrated numerous books, calendars, and greeting cards, earning over $50,000 a year, a considerable sum at the time. Her sweet depictions of children perfectly capture the playfulness and charm of Mother Goose; each verse has its own colour illustration, with the text printed in calligraphic lettering. The beautiful, soft colours and contours of the illustrations create a unique reading of these beloved nursery rhymes. ___DESCRIPTION:… Read More

[Republic of Ireland]: The Dolman Press, 1954. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Near fine. Cranwill, Mia. One of 225 copies, octavo size, 40 pp. This story "Being the Exile and Death of the Sons of Usnech", a portion of the "Book of Leinster", an Irish manuscript compiled in the middle of the twelfth century. The work translated by Thomas Kinsella (1928-2021), a university professor and poet whose first work was published by The Dolman Press, founded in 1951 specifically to publish Irish poetry, including works by Yeats. The illustrations by Mia Cranwill (1880-1972), "one of the leading artists of the Irish Celtic Revival." She created numerous pieces of metalwork, most of original design, many pieces for high churchmen; George Bernard Shaw referred to her as "the Irish Benvenuto Cellini" (n.b., quotes from Wiki). A scarce publication, as of this writing we see only one other copy in the online marketplace; our search of OCLC finds no copies, as does our seach of the British Library online (which, as… Read More

London: J.M. Dent & Co, 1907. First Edition. Hardcover. Near fine/very good +. Rackham, Arthur. First trade edition with additional Rackham illustrations on enlarged paper, quarto size, 568 pp., in original dust jacket. This book was first published in 1898 with only twelve illustrations, this being the first trade edition of the newly enlarged version of 1907, which had many new illustrations. British illustrator Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) is credited with renewing interest in book illustration at a vital moment of advances in printing technology. The subtle colours and thin feral lines were unlike anything that had come before, as if plucked from the fog of a wild imagination, breathing new life into the whole of children's book illustration. The somewhat grotesque quality of Rackham's figures are perfectly suited for the metrical myths, legends, and ghost stories written by Richard Harris Barham (1788-1845), an English clergyman who is best known by his pen name Thomas Ingoldsby. ___DESCRIPTION:… Read More

New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine/near fine. Three volumes (complete), quarto size, 2823 pp. " 'The Development of Ethics' is a selective historical and critical study of moral philosophy in the Socratic tradition, with special attention to Aristotelian naturalism. It discusses the main topics of moral philosophy as they have developed historically, including: the human good, human nature, justice, friendship, and morality; the methods of moral inquiry; the virtues and their connexions; will, freedom, and responsibility; reason and emotion; relativism, subjectivism, and realism; the theological aspect of morality...[Irwin] presents the leading moral philosophers of the past as participants in a rational discussion that is still being carried on..." [n.b., from the rear panel]. ___DESCRIPTION: Bound in black cloth over boards, gilt lettering stamped on spines; quarto size (9.9" x 6.8"), pagination: Vol. I, From Socrates to the Reformation [i-xxviii,1] 2-812.… Read More

London: The Hogarth Press, 1947. 4th Printing. Hardcover. Near Fine/Near Fine. The fourth printing of the first edition, duodecimo size, 280 pp. Christopher William Bradshaw Isherwood (1904-1986), friend of both W.H. Auden and Stephen Spender, was living in Weimar Germany and witnessed the rise of Nazism. It was while there that we wrote the two "classic" novels of that era, this title, originally published in 1935, and "Goodbye to Berlin" (published in 1939). Frequently published together under the title "The Berlin Stories", the novels loosely chronicle life in Germany in the 1930s, with the title "meant to evoke...not only Norris's continual moves from country to country to avoid his enemies and creditors, but also his constantly shifting political alliances and interests" (n.b., quote from Wiki). "Mr. Norris Changes Trains" would later be adapted to the theatre in 1951 under the title "I Am a Camera", which would itself be adapted in 1966 into the hugely successful musical "Cabaret".… Read More