Glasgow: Frederick W. Wilson and Brother, 1888. Paperback. First Edition. 300 copies printed. SCARCE PRESENTATION COPY of Davidson’s fourth book, inscribed “To Mrs. John A. Cramb with kind regards from John Davidson.” John Davidson (1857-1909) was a Scottish poet, playwright, and novelist. His chief talent was as a poet, and his work influenced early Modernists such as T.S. Eliot and Wallace Stevens. Due to personal and financial problems, Davidson ultimately committed suicide. The recipient and her husband, a student, were among Davidson’s closest friends when he attended Edinburgh University. They followed Davidson to London in the early 1890s hoping also for successful literary careers. In the end, John Cramb returned to academic life, becoming professor of Modern History at Queen’s College, London. Cramb had a crucial influence on Davidson’s later works (in particular The Testaments of John Davidson) through his book, The Origins and Destiny of Imperial Britain (1900). In the original parchment wrappers, which are browned and lightly soiled, but otherwise in very good condition. Interior pages are clean and bright, with very light rippling caused by tight signatures. Enclosed in red cloth folder, which is inserted into a red cloth slipcase with quarter leather spine. Gilt title, author, date, and “presentation copy” to spine. 82 pages including publishers catalogue. DRA/051111. Very Good in Wraps. More

London: R.A. Walker, 1924. Hardcover. First Edition. Number 183 of 500 copies with signature of publisher, Walker. PRESENTATION COPY inscribed by Walker to the journalist J.M. Bulloch "To J.M. Bulloch / with the regards of the publisher and editor / R.A. Walker / 7 January 1925." An autograph letter from Walker to Bulloch is pasted down to the rear end page and Bulloch's review of this book is pasted down to the front end page. It was appropriate that Bulloch reviewed this book as he had promoted Beardsley's work in the 1890's. The main text is a lecture by A.W. King, a friend and tutor of Beardsley. He originally delivered the lecture at the Blackburn Technical Institute where he held the position of secretary. The book also includes 15 full page sketches and about 16 letters from Beardsley, many of which include smaller sketches. All of the letters and sketches had been in the possession of A.W. King and had never before been published. Several of the letters are of notable content, one of which tells of his first visit to see the influential artist Edward Burne-Jones in 1891 and another describes his development of a new drawing style. Near fine in original light blue cloth boards with black and gilt leather title label to spine. Slight browning to spine and minor wear to spine ends. Light offsetting to front endpages from inserted review, else very clean. A nice association copy. 103 pages. ART/010710. Near Fine. More