The Savoy an Illustrated Monthly No. 1 and No. 2

London: Leonard Smithers, 1896. Hardback. Good Only. 10.5" by 8". Various. The sought after first two issues of 'The Savoy', a popular Victorian literary and artistic periodical headed by Arthur Symons and Aubrey Beardsley. Issues Number 1 and 2 of 'The Savoy', for January and April 1896.Number 1 is illustrated with engraved title page, and nineteen plates and in-text illustrations. Four pages of adverts to the front.Number 2 is illustrated with engraved title page, and twenty plates and in-text illustrations. Four pages of adverts to the rear.'The Savoy' was an illustrated quarterly of literature, art, and criticism. The magazine, dubbed 'a manifesto in revolt against Victorian materialism', only published eight issues from January to December 1896. A competitor of 'The Yellow Book' the magazine published works from the members of the Decadent movement, as the movement began to decline after the imprisonment of Oscar Wilde.From January-April the periodical was published in two quarterly issues, and became monthly for six months from July to December.Published by Leonard Smithers, a controversial man friends with Oscar Wilde, known for erotic and pornographic works, and for sometimes binding books in human skin. Smithers begun this magazine alongside writer Arthur Symons and the artist Aubrey Beardsley.With illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley, Joseph Pennell, Louis Oury, W. Rothenstein, and more.Collated, complete. In the original publisher's paper covered boards. Externally, worn. Rear board of No. 2 is detached but present. No. 1 is lacking most of the backstrip, with part of the backstrip of No. 2 also lacking, the remainder lifting. Bords are age-toned with some light marks and rubbing. Bookseller's label to the front paste downs. Front hinge of No. 1 is starting but firm, rear hinge is strained. Endpapers are discoloured. Front hinge of No. 1 is weak, hinge may fail despite careful handling. Front endpaper of No. 2 is detached. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are age-toned and clean, No. 2 pages are spotted. Ink inscription to the half-titles. Good Only