Books and Manuscripts

New Rochelle: Francis Wilson The Orchard, 1891. First and limited edition, one of 70 copies (from a total of 100) printed on hand-made paper and signed by the publisher, this copy unnumbered. Wilson's book-plate mounted on inserted blank. Inscribed by Wilson to John Caldwell, February 7, 1895, on blank in front. Uncalled for MS. poem signed by Field completely in his own hand, dated October 21, 1895, bound in at front (30 copies of this edition were printed on Japan paper and each included a MS. poem). Signed by printer John Wilson & Son on colophon in rear. Title-page and initials printed in black and red. Illustrated by Edmund H. Garrett. Bound in full green morocco, elaborately gilt, spine slightly darkened and gilt slightly dulled, and with purple leather onlay on front and rear boards; top edge gilt, other edges untrimmed; original covers bound in at rear; in leather-entry slip case; by The Club Bindery. A fantastic copy. BAL 5744

The Club Bindery (1898-1909) was an American fine book bindery started by several members of New York's Grolier Club in order to bring the art of fine bookbinding to America and to bind books to the standard of Europe's finest binderies.

From the library of bibliophile and long-standing Grolier Club member David Allen Fraser (1911-2003).