Autobiography by...
London: Jonathan Cape, [N.d., but 1940]. Proof copy. Two volumes. 8vo. 160; 161-283, (5) pp. Original plain blue wrappers with printed titles, early manuscript to both front covers giving the page numbering of the respective volumes, with loosely inserted a stamped and postmarked postcard from Eric Gill to Professor Henry Harris of St. John's College, Cambridge, with the college address crossed out and a local forwarding address added in purple pencil. Wear to the spine ends, very good. A proof copy issued before illustrations were added, unusually bound in two volumes given the size of the work. The postcard features a photographic illustration of the Skirrid Mountain Inn, Llanvihansel on the recto and is postmarked Abergevenny 16th September 1939. Gill, who dated the card two days earlier, mentions that he is "on the road to Capel-y-ffin having a drink in this pub". He then goes on to express remorse for not seeing Harris to say goodbye but hopes "to return before very long to do 3 key stones". He closes by stating "'Birmingham' seems to be maintaining itself." Gill's correspondent was Henry Albert Harris, then Chair of Anatomy at Cambridge University and a Professorial Fellow of St. John's College. It has not been possible to establish the connection between the two but, given the informal tone in which the card has been written, there was clearly a degree of warmth and familiarity to the relationship. Item #42507
Price: £425.00