The Book Craftsman, A Technical Journal For Printers & Collectors Of Fine Editions : Volume One in Four Parts (With The Prospectus And A Signed Letter From James Guthrie). de Guthrie, James - 1934

Printed by the Pear Tree Press, Flansham, Bognor Regis, Sussex between 1934-5. Volume One: complete in 4 parts 1934. Soft cover. The books are in near fine condition. No wrappers as issued. Four Issues comprising Volume 1. Number 1, October 1934, 20 pp.; Number 2, Spring 1935, to page 44.; Number 3, Summer 1935, to page 64; Number 4, Winter 1935 to page 84. Original blue printed wrappers for each number. This Journal ceased with no. 4 and is very rare to find complete. Minor toning to the cover edges and the contents of Number 1 are tight but have become detached from the softcover wrapper spine. Number 4 also has a loose publisher's slip inserted with a H/W signed message from James Guthrie :' delayed by illness, JG'. The first issue consists of Guthrie's autobiographical essay, 'The Hand Printer and His Work' which was first read at the London Cafe Royal in 1933. Accompanied by The 2 sided publisher's prospectus 'A circular of works and projects from The Pear Tree Press.Spring 1935' referring to the Craftsman series in a section ' Books printed by machine'. There is also a 'Publisher's Announcement' prospectus for 1934. The latter was the copy of Guthrie's friend and collaborator, the artist Reginald Hallward (some pencilled notes by him - the notes are unrelated to the item and refer exclusively to paint colours. Guthrie had got started in printing under Hallward. Hallward is notable as the reputed model for Basil Hallward in Wilde's 'Picture of Dorian Gray'). In addition, there is a loose single sheet of paper with embossed style leaf design plate margin around a plate-printed text, printed in very light, yellow-green ink, poem, entitled: 'Which To-Day Is'. A loose typed letter dated Sept 6. '41 signed by James Guthrie is also present and refers to :'.The book Craftsman has had to be stopped, as you say, and I do not know if my son will restart it after the war .' Housed in a custom solander box with a Morocco and gilt spine. Scarce with such attributes. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.