Lucius Apuleius / De Cupidinis et Psyches Cupid and Psyche Amoribus Limited 1st

Description: De Cupidinis et Psyches [Cupid and Psyche]; Amoribus Fabula Anilis Author: Lucius Apuleius; Ricketts, Charles (Illustrations) Title: De Cupidinis et Psyches [Cupid and Psyche]; Amoribus Fabula Anilis Publication: [London]: Hacon & Ricketts [and] Iohannes (John) Lane [Vale Press], [1901] Edition: First and Limited Edition Description: Ricketts, Charles. Hardcover. One of 310 copies (unnumbered), quarto size, 31 pp., the first printing with Ricketts illustrations, all text in Latin. Near fine. The story of "Cupid and Psyche" has been retold countless times, appearing first in Ovid's "Metamorphoses" and thereafter "in poetry, drama, and opera, and depicted widely in painting, sculpture, and even wallpaper" (n.b., per Wiki). This incredibly lovely version with five in-text wood engravings, an opening border with one large initial by Charles deSousy Ricketts (1866-1931), whose talents ran from costume and scenery design to book illustration to book design and typography. The border surrounding the initial page of text is particularly noteworthy, for "Ricketts was unrivalled in his design of woodcut borders; his inventive, intricate patterns succeed with several different motifs, whether vine-leaves and grapes, wild bryony, hops, or knot work derived from Celtic illumination" (n.b., from "The World of Charles Ricketts" by Joseph Derracott). This volume in a stunning custom binding; while there is no binder's stamp, per a pencilled note on the rear pastedown, it was bound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe. ___DESCRIPTION: Bound in quarter green leather over combed marbled paper in shades of red, green and blue, gilt lettering on the spine, top edge gilt, fore- and bottom edges rough-cut, the five in-text illustrations bound in throughout, please note that all text (including the colophon) is in Latin (per Watry, the choice of Latin for the text was "the opportunity to display the Vale fount to its best advantage"); Vale type on Graver paper, quarto size (11 1/2" by 7 7/8"), pagination: [i-iii] iv-xxx [xxxi, colophon]. ___CONDITION: Near fine, the leather smooth and supple, the boards clean and without wear, straight corners with a hint of rubbing, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, and free of prior owner markings (note there are a few lightly pencilled marks to the recto of the rear free endpaper which appear to have been from a prior bookseller); we are grading as near fine due to some light scattered foxing and a bit of sunning to the spine. ___CITATIONS: Watry no. B33; A Collection of Books Designed by Charles Ricketts (L'Art Ancien S.A., 1972), no. 53. ___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs; please inquire for details. ___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help. Seller ID: 22052002 Subject: Classic Literature, Fine Press, Folklore and Mythology Swan's Fine Books Walnut Creek, CA Swan's Fine Books is an open shop located in the San Francisco Bay Area. We offer quality used, collectible, and rare books in a wide variety of general interest subjects. While we specialize in illustrated books, fine press books, and Californiana, we have books in many areas. We are members of the leading bookselling organizations, including the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA. Guarantee We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described. Shipping Our books are bubble-wrapped and securely packed in cardboard, with larger books always packed in a box. Our standard shipping is via Media Mail; expedited and international shipping is available, please contact us for a price quote BEFORE placing an order. We are happy to combine shipping on multiple items. Return Policies We cheerfully accept returns within 30 days, so long as the book(s) is/are returned in the same condition as when sent. Please give us advance notice of any book(s) you need to return, thank you.This listing was created by Bibliopolis.

Price: 1500 USD

Location: Walnut Creek, California

End Time: 2024-02-20T19:55:58.000Z

Shipping Cost: 5 USD