Modern Masters of Etching 2: James McBey (with TLS, more)

A solid copy of this edition of reprints of 12 plates by McBey, who was one of the more influential figures of the rise of etchings in the early 20th Century. The pages on this copy are moderately foxed; foxing does not affect the rectos of the tipped-in plates, though a few have slightly visible stains on the versos.

Taped to the front free endpaper is a typed letter, signed, from McBey to Roi Partridge at Mills College from 1941 talking about a meeting while McBey was visiting the San Francisco area. Laid in are also three handwritten letters from McBey's wife Marguerite to Partridge and his wife (his third wife, May Ellen Fisher) from 1941 and 1943, talking about photography, their visits, and potential future visits. Also included is a four-page prospectus for the Minton, Balch edition of The Etchings of James McBey by Malcolm C. Salaman, including list prices for the book in both its trade and limited editons, with three reproductions of McBey etchings. The prospectus shows serious edge-wear, not affecting the images. Primary material about McBey is seldom offered for sale.