SALOME

N.p.: Fridolf Johnson, 1948. A unique manuscript of Mary Lamb's romantic poem "Salome," composed around 1808-09, and first published in her husband Charles Lamb's Works [1818]; while the poem was originally published in her husband's works, and while his name is credited on the title page of this volume, the poem, according to scholar Adriana Craciun, "is indisputably hers" ("The Subject of Violence: Mary Lamb, Femme Fatale." Romanticism and Women Poets: Opening the Doors of Reception, p.65). Fridolf Johnson (1905-1988) was an American author, calligrapher, and illustrator, whose early work as a designer led him increasingly toward an interest in printing and typography. He eventually established the Mermaid Press, and became and active member of the Zamorano Club, Typophiles, and New York Chappel of Private Presses. His archive is held at the University of Delaware. (cf.Biographical Note. Fridolf Johnson Papers, 1950-1985). Quarto (26.25cm); original calligraphic manuscript (rectos), composed in black, burgundy, gold, gray, and dark green ink on translucent stock, bound into batik paper-covered boards with fuchsia cloth backstrip, and manuscript title label mounted to spine; [9] leaves, [3] blank; with illustrated title leaf, and colophon reading "Written and bound by Fridolf Johnson / April, 1948." Large decorative bookplate on metallic paper mounted to front pastedown (Salome Collection / Ex Libris Fridolf Johnson). Light wear to extremities, spine gently sunned, with a touch of fraying to spine ends; scattered foxing to front pastedown, with some offsetting along hinges from binders glue, otherwise text is clean; Very Good+.