TARKA THE OTTER by Henry Williamson / illus Barry Driscoll HCDJ. 1964. NONESUCH

Description: 1964. FIRST AMERICAN EDITION thus. green cloth boards. 265 pgs. A Nonesuch Cygnet. Originally published in 1927, the novel describes the life of an otter, along with a detailed observation of its habitat in the country of the River Taw and River Torridge in North Devon (the "Two Rivers"); the name "Tarka" is said by Williamson to mean "Wandering as Water". Although not written for children, the book soon became popular with young readers, and also has influenced literary figures as diverse as Ted Hughes and Rachel Carson. This copy is FINE IN FINE DUSTWRAPPER. Nonesuch Press's first book, a volume of John Donne's Love Poems was issued in May 1923. In total, the press produced more than 140 books. The press was at its peak in the 1920s and 1930s, but continued operating through the mid-1960s. During the late 1930s and throughout the 1940s, Meynell ceded control of the Press to George Macy, founder and owner of the Limited Editions Club. In the early 1950s, however, Meynell united with the owner of The Bodley Head, Max Reinhardt, and resumed control of Nonesuch. During the final years of the Press's existence, its remit was extended to include editions of classic children's books, such as E. Nesbit's The Treasure Seekers and Andrew Lang's fairy tales (these formed part of the press's Cygnet impression). Nonesuch was unusual among private presses in that it used a small hand press to design books (an Albion press), but had them printed by commercial printers: for example, the Birmingham-based Kynoch Press. The purpose of this method was to produce book designs with the quality of a fine-press but available to a wider audience at lower prices. Meynell also wanted to demonstrate that "mechanical means could be made to serve fine ends." He believed that the production of exquisitely designed and produced books was not the preserve of the private press predicated upon the example established by William Morris's Kelmscott Press, which emphasized the primacy of the handpressed book. Among the press's best-known editions were the collected works of William Congreve and William Wycherley and translations of Miguel de Cervantes and Dante. A number of illustrated editions were also produced. Nonesuch's editions are prized by collectors; particularly rare and well-designed editions can sell for more than $1700.00. In November 2005, Barnes & Noble issued reprints of the Nonesuch editions of Charles Dickens's novels, including Bleak House, Great Expectations and Hard Times, the Christmas Books, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, and Nicholas Nickleby. A second set of reissues was released in November 2008, including A Tale of Two Cities, Martin Chuzzlewit and Little Dorrit.Nonesuch editions of Dickens' novels have also been republished by Duckworth in the UK. Henry William Williamson (1 December 1895 – 13 August 1977) was an English author who wrote novels concerned with wildlife, English social history and ruralism. He was awarded the Hawthornden Prize for literature in 1928 for his book Tarka the Otter. Barrington Lionel "Barry" Driscoll (15 December 1926 – 30 April 2006) was a British painter, wildlife artist and sculptor. Starting as a book illustrator, he specialized in animal subjects and established an international reputation as a wildlife artist.In 1960 Driscoll painted three large murals in the London Zoo. A year later he illustrated the inaugural brochure for the World Wildlife Fund. By the mid-1960s Barry's work was appearing regularly in the national press, and he had his own Sunday Express wildlife column. In 1970 Time-Life commissioned him to do a series of paintings of fauna in Arizona. This book is part of a collection of over 2000 out of print and first edition children’s books collected by an avid collector over a thirty year period. Nearly all books are hard back, Very Good to Fine condition and include the often elusive dust jacket. All dust jackets are protected in a mylar sleeve. Most are also first editions. The books are priced to sell and popular items will go quickly so check back often. Although I try my best to describe each book, please use the pictures as the best judge of condition and ask questions if there is anything specific you would like to know regarding the condition of the book and or the dust jacket. I will be listing these books over the next few months. Books include picture books, early reader books, juvenile/young adult, pop-up books, books on children’s literature, etc. Will be happy to combine multiple purchases.

Price: 45 USD

Location: Danville, California

End Time: 2024-10-06T23:34:41.000Z

Shipping Cost: 6.13 USD