A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig [WITH PROSPECTUS] by Lamb, Charles; Jones, Wilfred (Illustrator); Ho, Sang (Chinese Characters); Ransom, Will (Typography) - 1932

Rochester, New York: The Printing House of Leo Hart, 1932. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Near Fine. Jones, Wilfred. Number 452 of 950 copies, octavo size, 48 pp., signed by illustrator Wilfred Jones. Charles Lamb (1997-1834) is perhaps best remembered today for his "Essays of Elia" and "Tales from Shakespeare" which he co-authored with his sister, Mary Lamb, to introduce Shakespeare to children; his biographer claimed that Lamb was "the most lovable figure in English literature" (per Wiki). This essay is a favorite of any gourmand who enjoys roast pig, and the humorous manner of Lamb's recounting of the mythical origins of roast pig transcends the centuries. However, in our humble opinion, Mr. Lamb's essay is overshadowed by the simply glorious illustrations by Wilfred Jones (1888-1968); fascinated by the scientific principles of color as set forth by Seurat and Césanne, he experimented with colour, becoming one of the foremost designers and illustrators of his day. His illustrations for this book are simply riotous with deep, rich colours, the illustrations being hand-coloured; with Chinese characters in red in the page margins, and the wonderful typography of Will Ransom, this work is indeed "a book designed, illustrated, and decorated to reflect the oriental tale from which this fine Essay of Elia derives." (N.B., quote from prospectus.) ***DESCRIPTION: Bound in Yamura paper boards with a vellum shelfback, chinese characters in red embossed on the front board, title in red on the back, four different delightful illustrations on each of the four endpapers (the front endpapers showing the house on fire, the rear endpapers whimsically showing a pig, napkin tied around its neck and fork in hand, leading two men by ropes), title page in red and black, two seven-line initial capital letters in red, six illustrations through the text which are hand-coloured, at both front and rear immediately next to the endpapers are double-spread illustrations; type Eve Heavy, hand-set, on Okawara paper, french-fold with the uncut bolts at the top, octavo size (8.25" tall by 6"), unpaginated with 24 leaves, limited edition of 950 copies, this no. 452, signed by the illustrator at the colophon. Loosely laid in is the (scarce) prospectus, four pages with two specimen pages on the inside, the front announcing the work and with a rendition of the first double-spread illustration, the back giving particulars of the edition, which was being offered at $7.50. In publisher's cardboard slipcase covered with gold foil paper with red geometric patterns. ***CONDITION: Volume could almost be called fine, the paper boards are clean and unrubbed, the corners are straight and also unrubbed, text block is strong and square with solid hinges, the interior is clean, the colours exceedingly bright, the only prior owner marking consisting of a tasteful bookplate with the single initial "S" which was tipped onto the front pastedown; it is now loosely laid in with a hint of residue on the front pastedown; light rubbing to the red lettering on the spine, else fine. The prospectus is very good plus, with some foxing and light general wear; the slipcase is very good, strong and sturdy, but with overall rubbing to the gold foil paper. ***POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard shipping charge 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 book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help.