Provenance (34 items)

Cordus, Euricius - Botanologicon / Brasavola, Antonio Musa - Examen omnium simplicium medicamentorum

3. Cordus, Euricius / Brasavola, Antonio Musa / [Hieronymus Schreiber / Jerôme Schreiber]

Botanologicon (Euricii Cordi Simesusii Medici Botanologicon) – Angebunden / Bound with: Antonio Musa Brasavola – Examen omnium simplicium medicamentorum, quorum in officinis usus est. Addita sunt Insuper Aristotelis problemata, quae ad stirpium genus, & oleracea pertinent.

Cologne (Köln) / Leyden (Lyon), Johann Gymnicus (Gymnich) / Johannes and Franciscus Frellon, 1534 / 1537. Octavo. Collation complete: I. Euricius Cordus – Botanologicon: Title with the woodcut device of Cologne-printer Johann Gymnicus, including his Motto, the first line of a Verse from the Aeneid by Virgil ‘Discite Iustitiam Moniti’, 183, [21] pp., 2 blank leaves. The titlepage of the Botanologicon bears the manuscript ownership-entry of Nuremberg’s Astronomer, Philosopher and Mathematician Hieronymus Schreiber [also called Jerôme Schreiber], student-friend of Euricius Cordus’ son Valerius Cordus in Wittenberg and later trustee of Valerius Cordus’ scholarly estate after Valerius Cordus’ premature death in Rome. Dated in the same hand on the titlepage also the entry ‘Anno 1539’, when Valerius Cordus matriculated at Wittenberg and Schreiber already had studied there since May 1532. With several contemporary manuscript annotations throughout both titles (the Botanologicon and Examen) / II. A. M. Brasavola – Examen omnium simplicium medicamentorum: Title, [1], [‘Reverendissimo to Ioannes Argenterius’, 4 pp.], [‘Ad Illustris & Sereniss. (‘Epistola Nuncupatoria’) to the Duces of Ferrara’ 17 pp.], [Epigramma, 1 p.], [Examen & Aristotelis Problemata 542 pages, [Dedication to Franciscus Frellaeus, 2 pp.], [Index copiosissimus in Examen Omnium, 13 pp.], [1]. With several manuscript annotations. Original, contemporary blind-stamped pigskin over wooden boards with some stronger signs of running to the corners, with partially bevelled edges and both of the original metal clasps intact. Very good condition with only minor signs of external wear. Title in ink to upper spine and also to top of fore-edge. Very few pressed plants loosely inserted. Interior in excellent condition with some minor staining to very few pages only.

EUR 48.000,-- 

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Doughty - Travels in Arabia Deserta. [Patrick Leigh Fermor's personal copy with three first editions of Leigh Fermor's Travel Writing]

4. [Fermor, Patrick Leigh] Doughty, Charles M.

Travels in Arabia Deserta. With an Introduction by T. E. Lawrence. [Patrick Leigh Fermor’s personal copy] / [Also including all three Volumes of his autobiographical journey (one of them signed), on foot across Europe from the Hook of Holland to Constantinople in the years 1933 – 1934].

Second Impression of the ‘New and definitive Edition’. Two Volumes (complete set). London, Jonathan Cape, 1943. 20 cm x 26 cm. Volume I: Frontispice- Portrait of Doughty, 674 pages. Volume II: 696 pages. With both Volumes including each the beautiful large colour-fold-out-map in the rear showing “North Western Arabia and Negd”. Hardcover / Publisher’s original buckram with gilt lettering on spine and original dustjackets in protective collector’s Mylar. Deckled fore- and tail-edges. Coloured top edges. Very good condition with only minor signs of external wear. Dustjackets slightly stained and price-clipped. Interior is bright and clean. Patrick Leigh Fermor’s personal copy with his name in ink on the endpaper of Volume II: “Patrick Leigh Fermor. London, July 1945.”. Leigh Fermor obviously rewarded himself with the purchase of Doughty’s masterpiece directly after World War Two. Stunning item, manifesting Doughty’s heavy influence on Patrick Leigh Fermor’s Travel writing. The set includes also three first editions in original dustjackets, of Patrick Leigh Fermor’s famous Travel writings: A Time of Gifts, Between the Woods and the Water [SIGNED], The Broken Road (with the second book, “Between the Woods and the Water” signed by Patrick Leigh Fermor.

EUR 1.000,-- 

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Randle Holme III (1627–1700), The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon.

9. Holme, Randle [Randle Holme III (1627–1700)] / [Provenance: Thomas Pennant].

The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon. Containing the several variety of Created Beings, and how born in Coats of Arms, both Foreign and Domestick. With the instruments used in all Trades and Sciences, together with their Terms of Art. Also the Etymologies, Definitions, and Historical Observations on the same, explicated and explained according to our modern Language. Very usefel [sic] for all Gentlemen, Scholars, Divines, and all such as Desire any Knowledge in Arts and Sciences. By Randle Holme, of the City of Chester, Gentleman Sewer in Extraordinary to his late Majesty King Charles 2. And sometimes Deputy for the Kings of Arms. [With 48 Plates, showing hundreds of symbols].

First Edition. Chester, Printed for the Author, 1688. Folio (24 cm x 35 cm). Pagination: Engraved Titlepage by P. Edwards, Printed Titlepage, [10 unnumbered], [Book I]: 107, [9 unnumbered] pages / Book II: [1], 488 pages / Book III: [1], 501, [1 unnumbered] pages / Plus [Bound with the rare Index]: “Index of the Names of Persons contained in the Academy of Armory and Blazon by Randle Holme. Printed at Chester in One Volume, Folio, 1688”. London, McMillan / Robert Triphook, 1821. Pagination: [1], 46 pages. Hardcover / Modern Masterbinding with original endpapers bound in, bearing all the original ExLibris of previous owners. Stunning, modern half-leather with marbled-paper-covered Boards and gilt lettering on spine. All edges in original gilt. In protective Mylar. Provenance: From the library of welsh naturalist Thomas Pennant. Historically inherited from Thomas Pennant’s father, David Pennant of Bighton, who received it as gift from Randle Holme. Very good condition with only minor signs of wear. See original, tipped-in, sales-note from AUctioneer “Henry Young and Sons Ltd.”. See also extensive images on our company’s web site. An extremely rare book, purchased as Duplicate from the Historical Library of the Athenaeum in Liverpool, with an ExLibris of the “Public Libraries of Liverpool” decommissioned from the “Historic Society of Lancashire & Cheshire”, formerly presented with an original ExLibris from “Jacob Kendrick of Warrington” (with his original ExLibris). Titlepage by Edwards cropped and pasted on stronger paper. Original titlepage cropped and pasted on normal paper (these two defects were already indentified by auctioneer Henry Young & Sons” and are clear markers of this being the original Randle Holme-Pennant-copy. Contents-page slightly frayed only. Corner of one page in the contents section torn. An extremely scarce publication, especially with the addition of the later published Index of Names. Interior in excellent condition.

EUR 4.800,-- 

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[Jefferson, History of the Independence of the United States of America. [Association copy:

12. [Jefferson, John Garland / Thomas Jefferson Circle] Botta, Charles.

History of the Independence of the United States of America. [Association copy with provenance – riddle: From the library of one John Garland Jefferson, being either the brother of American Civil War Hero Thomas Garland Jefferson and received as a gift from his namesake father, John Garland Jefferson (as stated on the endpaper in contemporary ink), with his name signed in ink to the fontispiece of Volume One or alternatively, being John Garland Jefferson (born 1815 – date of death unknown), the son of Captain Samuel Allen Jefferson (1776-1843)]. Translated from the Italian by George Alexander Otis. With ten illustrations and six maps.

Ninth Edition, In Two Volumes, Revised and Corrected. New-Haven, T.Brainard, 1839. Octavo. Volume I: Frontispiece, 473 pages with four maps and four illustrations (including frontispice) / Volume II: Frontispice, IV, 468 pages with six illustrations (including frontispice) and two maps. Hardcover / Original full eather with gilt lettering and ornament on spine and boards. Bindings a little rubbed. Lower spines stronger rubbed and only very slightly damaged but the Volumes and bookblocks overall very firm and in very good condition with only minor signs of external wear. Some plates and pages with foxing (as usual with this edition). Both tissue-guards for the frontispieces in place. A stunning set regarding the American War of Independence with an interesting provenance.

EUR 680,-- 

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Provenance: From the personal library of Adrian Liddell Hart / Collection of 28 Volumes of John Lehmann's "New Writing", some bearing the name of Adrian Liddell Hart

15. [Lehmann, John] / [Liddell Hart, Adrian] / [Harold Acton] / [Manuscript Postcards from Lehmann to Liddell Hart].

Provenance: From the personal library of Adrian Liddell Hart / Collection of three personal autograph/manuscript-postcards from John Lehmann to Adrian Liddell Hart, together with 28 Volumes of John Lehmann’s “New Writing”, some bearing the name of Adrian Liddell Hart, including Volume I (includes Georg Orwell’s “Shooting an Elephant” in second edition). Besides the 28 Volumes of Lehmann’s “New Writing”, the collection also includes: 1. John Lehmann’s personal copy of Sean O’Faolain’s “Vive Moi!” – An Autobiography (First Edition, London, Rupert Hart-Davies, 1965), with John Lehmann’s name on the front free endpaper and some markings in the text. / 2. John Lehmann – Pleasures of New Writing – An Anthology of Poems, Stories and other Prose Pieces from the pages of NEW WRITING. Edited by John Lehmann. (First Edition, London, John Lehmann, 1952). [Even though this Volume is also from Liddell Hart’s library, it bears a different name of a pre-owner on the half-title].

Mixed Editions. 30 Volumes. London, John Lehmann / Allen Lane – Penguin Books / Rupert Hart-Davis, 1940-1965. Octavo. [The Postcards written from Venice, Florence and Santa Barbarabetween the years 1952 and 1977 / Postcard I: From John Lehmann in Venice to Adrian Liddell Hart: “This city does not boast a supply of the “Sunday Dispatch”, and as the writer was gripped and enthralled by the last installment on June 1st, he hopes you will keep copies of the …for him to read on his return in ten Days time – J.” / Postcard II: From John Lehmann in Florence to Adrian Liddell Hart: “Am staying with [Sir] Harold Acton here in his marvellous Villa – calme luxe [″Villa La Pietra”], all night……pity, you aren’t with me. Off to the sea this afternoon – may post this in Porto Ercole. Your old friend is relaxing. Gracefully – Love J.” [Date hard to decipher, possibly in 1962] / 3. Postcard III: From John Lehmann in Santa Barbara in California to Adrian Liddell Hart: “Terribly sorry to hear about the broken leg, may it mend quickly, as surely it must undo the ministrations of Florence …..Nightingale. I expect to be in England all March, but then off again – to Jimmy Carter Country – Love J.” [20.2.77]. Hardcover and Softcover. Of the series of 28 Volumes of the “New Writing ″ Series, only three with stronger signs of wear and in poorer condition. All others in very good condition with only minor signs of wear. Lehmann’s personal copy of Sean O’Faolain’s Autobiography with the original dustjacket in poor condition but the Volume itself very good.

EUR 1.480,-- 

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Provenance: From the personal library of Adrian Liddell Hart / Collection of books on Military History, Strategy

17. [Liddell Hart, Adrian] / [Liddell Hart, Basil H.].

Provenance: From the personal library of Adrian Liddell Hart / Collection of thirteen (13) books on Military History, Strategy and two of his father’s, Sir Basil Liddell Hart, publications. Most of the books with the bookplate of Sir Basil Liddell Hart but with the name of Adrian written to the endpaper. The collection includes: 1. John Strachey – On The Prevention of War (1962) / 2. Lawrence Freedman – The Evolution of Nuclear Strategy (1982) / 3. Edward Mead Earle – Makers of Modern Strategy – Military Thought from Machiavelli to Hitler – Edited by Edward Mead Earle with the collaboration of Gordon A.Craig and Felix Gilbert (1966) / 4. B.H.Liddell Hart – History of the First World War (Reprint London, 1979) / 5. B.H.Liddell Hart – Why don’t we learn from History ? (First American Edition, New York, 1971) / 6. Hugh Thomas – The Spanish Civil War – (Third Edition, Penguin Books, 1977) / 7. Robin Lane Fox – Alexander The Great (Futura, 1975) / 8. Arturo Barea – The Track – It became a battlefield, there where they built the road across Morocco (Four Square Books, 1958) / 9. Steven Runciman – The Fall of Constantinople 1453 (Cambridge University Press, 1969) / 10. Geoffrey Rawson – Nelson Letters (Dent & Sons, 1971) / 11. Christopher Duffy – Borodino – Napoleon Against Russia, 1812 (Sphere Books, 1972) / 12. R.L.V.ffrench Blake – The Crimean War – Concise Campaigns (Sphere Books, 1973) / 13.Pieter Geyl – Napoleon: For and Against (Penguin Books, 1965) //

Mixed Editions. 30 Volumes. London, John Lehmann / Allen Lane – Penguin Books / Rupert Hart-Davis, 1940-1965. Octavo. [The Postcards written from Venice, Florence and Santa Barbarabetween the years 1952 and 1977 / Postcard I: From John Lehmann in Venice to Adrian Liddell Hart: “This city does not boast a supply of the “Sunday Dispatch”, and as the writer was gripped and enthralled by the last installment on June 1st, he hopes you will keep copies of the …for him to read on his return in ten Days time – J.” / Postcard II: From John Lehmann in Florence to Adrian Liddell Hart: “Am staying with [Sir] Harold Acton here in his marvellous Villa – calme luxe [″Villa La Pietra”], all night……pity, you aren’t with me. Off to the sea this afternoon – may post this in Porto Ercole. Your old friend is relaxing. Gracefully – Love J.” [Date hard to decipher, possibly in 1962] / 3. Postcard III: From John Lehmann in Santa Barbara in California to Adrian Liddell Hart: “Terribly sorry to hear about the broken leg, may it mend quickly, as surely it must undo the ministrations of Florence …..Nightingale. I expect to be in England all March, but then off again – to Jimmy Carter Country – Love J.” [20.2.77]. Hardcover and Softcover. Of the series of 28 Volumes of the “New Writing ″ Series, only three with stronger signs of wear and in poorer condition. All others in very good condition with only minor signs of wear. Lehmann’s personal copy of Sean O’Faolain’s Autobiography with the original dustjacket in poor condition but the Volume itself very good.

EUR 480,-- 

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Thomas Mann, Collection of important publications by Thomas Mann in the swedish language

19. Mann, Thomas / [Provenance: Falk Simon (Collector)].

Collection of nine (9) important publications by Thomas Mann in the swedish language. All editions in this collection are Translations from german into the swedish language, done by eminent swedish poets, writers and translators like Anders Oesterling (Österling), Anna Lamberg Wahlin and Walborg Hedberg. The collection has been beautifully rebound for swedish Bibliophile and Collector of antique Silver, “Falk Simon”, and most of the original wrappers and artwork to wrappers, has been preserved. The Exlibris of “Falk Simon” is to be found in each Volume (except “Buddenbrooks”, which has only one Exlibris) / Included are: 1. “Lille Herr Friedemann” – Stockholm, Billows, 1929. Översättning av J.G.S. / 2. “Huset Buddenbrook” – Historien om en Familjs Förfall I-II. Första Delen & Andra Delen. (Bonniers, 1937) – Översättning av Walborg Hedberg. / 3. “Underbarnet” – Översättning fran Tyskan av Karin Allardt (Stockholm, Bonniers, 1920) [Includes: Underbarnet / Tunga Timmar / Hos Profeten / En skimrande episod / Huru Jappe och Do Escobar pryglade upp varandra / Besvikelse / Tobias Mindernickel] / 4. Tonio Kröger – Översättning av Walborg Hedberg (Stockholm, Wahlstroem & Widstrand, 1922) / 5. Hans Kunglig Höghet – Översättning av Walborg Hedberg (Stockholm, Bonniers, 1910) – Name of preowner “Alfhild Söderlund – 1911” on titlepage / 6. Ockulta Upplevelser – Översättning av Anna Lamberg Wahlin / 7. Mario och Trollkarlen – Tre Noveller av Thomas Mann – Till Svenska af Anna Lamberg Wahlin (Stockholm, Bonniers, 1930) / 8. Lotte i Weimar – Roman – Översättning av Nils Holmberg (Stockholm, Bonniers, 1946) / 9. De Ombytta Huvudena – En Indisk Legend – Översättning av Anders Österling /

Stockholm,, Bonniers and others, 1910 – 1946. Octavo. More than 1800 pages. Hardcover / Decorative half leather with marbled-paper-covered-boards. With Exlibris of Falk Simon. Overall in excellent condition with some minor signs of wear only. Rare set !

EUR 1.000,-- 

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Meister, Ausstellung - Gedichte von Ernst Meister [Originalausgabe

21. Meister, Ernst.

Ausstellung – Gedichte von Ernst Meister [Originalausgabe / wahrscheinlich das originale Korrekturexemplar des Autors oder Verlags].

Erste Ausgabe. Marburg, Verlag Marburger Flugblätter, 1932. Oktav. 64 Seiten. Original Softcover (cremefarbene Englisch-Broschur mit roter Betitelung). Der Buchblock minimal von der Broschur gelöst. Sonst in sehr gutem Zustand, mit Merkmalen eines Korrekturexemplars: Der obere Schnitt etwas uneben, einige Seiten mit handschriftlicher, zusätzlicher Numerierung (und auch Anmerkung) die eine andere Paginierungsfolge oder Reihenfolge der Gedichte suggeriert. Einige Textstellen mit handschriftlicher Änderung einzelner Buchstaben. Kurze Widmung auf dem Vorsatzblatt: “f. Ulla” (nicht verifizierbar ob von Meister). Das Gedicht “Der Gebückte” mit einer handschriftlichen Anmerkung die eine eventuelle, dreimalige Wiederholung des ersten Teiles (‘Er geht’) mit zwei Fragezeichen erwägt. Sehr seltene, erste Veröffentlichung von Ernst Meister. Der Fund dieser Ausgabe ist eine kleine Sensation da Ernst Meister die Auflage persönlich vernichtete nachdem der Verlag Ihm die Bücher zurückgesendet hatte. Seine Ehefrau Else Meister rettete, laut einigen Quellen, nur einige wenige Exemplare aus der Mülltonne. / Als Zugabe zu der Ausgabe liegt dem Band eine Sammlung von sehr seltenen “Mitteilung[en] für Freunde” bei. Ernst Meister hat diese “Im Handsatz als Manuskript gedruckt”. Beiliegen No.2 – 6 der Mitteilungen”. Diese sind signiert mit dem Namenszug “Ernst Meister” versehen und der Jahreszahl der Herausgabe auf der Titelbroschur.

EUR 2.500,-- 

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Samuel Pufendorf / Sir Patrick Hume - An Introduction to the History of the Principal Kingdoms and States of Europe.

26. Pufendorf, Samuel / [Samuel Freiherr von Puffendorf] / [Provenance: Sir Patrick Hume].

An Introduction to the History of the Principal Kingdoms and States of Europe [including a section: “The English conquer Ireland” / “The English Parliament Forces Conquer Ireland” / “Constitution of the “Scotch” [Scottish] Nation”]. Made English from the Original, the High-Dutch – The Third Edition, with Additions. [With an “Epistle Dedicatory” by J. Crull].

London, Printed for M.Gilliflower at the Spread-Eagle in Westminster-Hall and T.Newborough at the Golden Ball in St.Paul’s Church-Yard, 1699. Octavo. Frontispice-Portrait of Pufendorf, [14], 515, [13] pages. Hardcover / Original 18th century full calf with later spinelabel. One of the previous owners has written his initials “GWH” in red ink verso the titlepage. Pastedown with armorial Bookplate / Exlibris of Scottish statesman, the Right Honorable Patrick Hume, Earl of Marchmont, Viscount of Blasonberry, Lord Polwarth of Polwarth & Lord High Chancellorof Scotland – [Bookplate dated at 1702 – Motto: “Fides Probata Coronat” – “True to the End”]. Very good condition with only minor signs of external wear. Minor lesion/tear to outer margins of page 461. With manuscript entries by the preowner to the top of each page, detailing each page for easier access into sections of countries (Germany, Poland, France, Spain, Britain, Rome, Sweden etc.). This book is rare; but with the excellent provenance from the library of Sir Patrick Hume, an even more important and desirable publication.

EUR 780,-- 

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Johannes Justus Rein, Japan nach Reisen und Studien im Auftrage der Königlich Preussischen Regierung dargestellt

28. Rein, J.J. [Johannes Justus] / [Provenienz / Provenance: Max von Baden / Bibliothek Schloss Salem].

Japan nach Reisen und Studien im Auftrage der Königlich Preussischen Regierung dargestellt von J.J. Rein [Johannes Justus Rein], Professor der Geographie in Marburg [an der Lahn]. Erster Band: Natur und Volk des Mikadoreiches. Mit 5 Lichtdruckbildern [Photographien], 12 Holzschnitten, 3 Lithographischen Tafeln und 2 Karten. / Zweiter Band: Land- und Forstwirthschaft, Industrie und Handel. Mit zum Theil farbigen Tafeln, 20 Holzschnitten im Text und 3 Kaertchen.

Erste Ausgabe [First Edition]. Two Volumes. Leipzig, Verlag von Wilhelm Engelmann, 1881 – 1886. Gross-Oktav. Band I: XII, [1], 630 Seiten mit allen Abbildungen und insbesondere der Original-Photographie von Nagasaki aber ohne die “Orographish-hydrographische Karte [Japans]” am Schluss des Bandes. / Band II: XII, 678 Seiten mit den drei Falt-Karten von Japan am Schluss des Bandes . Hardcover / Original 19th century half-leather with gilt lettering and ornament to spine. / Originale Verlags-Leinenbaende. Ehemalige Exemplare der “Bibliothek Salem” und ehemaliges “Eigenthum des Prinzen Wilhelm”, mit zwei dezenten Bibliotheksschildchen der Bibliothek Salem im Innendeckel und dem Stempel des Prinzen Max von Baden [″MB” mit Krone] auf den Titelseiten. Very good condition with only minor signs of wear and only the two folded Maps missing / Sehr guter Zustand des seltenen Werks und mit nur wenigen Stockfleckchen, wie ueblich auf den Rueckseiten des Photo-papiers und Abklatsch auf den Seiten verso. Aus dem Vorwort: “Saemtliche Illustrationen dieses Buchs sind Originale – Bonn, im September 1886 – Der Verfasser”.

EUR 1.000,-- 

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[George Crockett Strong] - U.S. Infantry Tactics, for the Instruction, Exercise and Manoeuvres of the United States Infantry

31. [Strong, George Crockett] The Secretary of War.

U.S. Infantry Tactics, for the Instruction, Exercise and Manoeuvres of the United States Infantry, Including Infantry of the Line, Light Infantry, and Riflemen. [with vintage cabinet photograph / Carte de visite of Union Brigadier General George Crockett Strong, loosely inserted and his name signed and dated to endpaper on April 28, 1863 (3 months prior to his death after being wounded during his assault on Fort Wagner on Morris Island, South Carolina)]. Prepared under the direction of the War Department, and Authorized and Adopted by the Secretary of War, May 1, 1861. Containing The School of the Soldier; The School of the Company; Instruction for Skirmishers; the General Calls, the Calls for Skirmishers, and the School of the Battalion; Including the Articles of War and a Dictionary of Military Terms.

Philadelphia, J.B. Lippincott & Co, 1861. 9.3 cm x 13.5 cm. Fold-out Frontispiece, 450 pages. 77 plates with illustrations of various stances and manoeuvres. 12 additional fold-out diagrams. Hardcover / publisher’s original blue pebbled cloth with gilt lettering and stamp on spine. Blind triple ruling and stamp on both boards. Very good condition with only minor signs of external wear. Corners slightly bumped. Very minor abrasion to cloth at bottom front corner. Very minor closed tear to page 25. Minor foxing occasionally throughout. Signs of dampstaining evident throughout otherwise clean and bright volume. Binding good and firm and tight bookblock. Inked annotation to title page. Ownership annotation to front pastedown. Embossed stamp of Wm B Sprague Jr, 51 State St, Albany on front endpaper. Endpaper also carries pencilled signature of George C Strong dated April 28 1862. Carte de visite of General Strong also loosely inserted.

EUR 475,-- 

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Pages from a Diary Written in Nineteen Hundred and Thirty. [Signed / Inscribed by George Yeats

34. Yeats, William Butler / [George [Georgie] Yeats / Mrs. Eva Hempel / Eduard Hempel].

Pages from a Diary Written in Nineteen Hundred and Thirty. [Signed / Inscribed by George Yeats to Mrs. [Eva] Hempel, wife of german ambassador to Ireland during World War II].

No.8 / 200 copies, of the original limited edition. Dublin, The Cuala Press, 1944 [September 1944]. Octavo. 58 pages. Original Hardcover. Inscribed by George Yeats on the front free endpaper: “Mrs. Hempel from George Yeats, April 1944”. This has to be of course “April 1945”. The impossibility of signing/inscribing a book in April 1944 if it was only published in September 1944 is easily explained with the classic everyday-mistake of still writing the previous year in the first few months of the following year. A stunning association. The signature and inscription is a solid match to George Yeats’ autographs in her later hand and William Butler Yeats and George Yeats were frequent visitors to the Hempel’s in Dublin. In addition, the low number of the edition (8/200) suggests this being one of the reference copies given to George Yeats, who contributed heavily to the volume and even added an explanatory note (in print) verso the titlepage. This copy is near fine, bound in the publisher’s quarter buckram over yellow, paper-covered boards. The books pages remained unopened. Eva Hempel’s husband Eduard Hempel is one of the most controversial figures in modern Irish history, excoriated by some as ‘Hitler’s man’, defended by others such as the country’s first President, Eamon De Valera. Certainly, Hempel presented William Butler Yeats in 1938 with a copy of ‘Germany Speaks’ whose inscription described an ‘unforgettable afternoon’ spent together by Yeats and Hempel. Eduard Hempel and his wife were accepted socialites in the Dublin world of World War II, famously receiving a condolence call by de Valera upon the death of Hitler. Eduard Hempel and his wife Eva were granted asylum in Ireland after world war II and stayed way beyond the end of World War II.

EUR 380,-- 

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