Purcell

1948 · Best.-Nr. 202147 — John Lehmann 1948. 1st Edition. Hardcover. VG/VG. AYRTON Michael. 1st Edition 18.5 x 25 cm red cloth boards with gilt stamped titles to the spine. 96pp including 55 pages of black and white illustrations. In original unclipped dust jacket priced at 21s net. The book is signed by Michael Ayrton who was the designer of the scenery and costume on the front free endpaper. Laid in is an invitation to an exhibition of Ayrton's recent painting and his designs for the show The boards have just a touch of dust marking to the top and bottom edges. Internally the book is generally clean noting only an ink mark on the title page for The Plates possibly a production fault. There are also a couple of pages towards the rear of the book where the printing from the verso of the page shows through somewhat. The artist's signature on the front free endpaper is clear and bright. The dust jacket which is now protected in a removable clear cover not shown has rubbing to the corners spine tips and edges with a number of tiny tears and minor chips and creasing along the top edge and one small tear along the bottom edge. The laid in invitation to Ayrton's exhibition is an added bonus. An excellent signed 1st edition copy recording the first major production of Saddler's Wells and English National Opera following the war. Rainford & Parris Books welcomes enquiries so please do not hesitate to ask if you require further images or have any questions. All books are packaged with great care. John Lehmann hardcover