[Wright, Frank l- Fabulous Association Copy, Wright's First Book Illustration, Only 65 copies, Auvergne Press, 1896] The Eve of St. Agnes... With an Appreciation by Leigh Hunt de Keats, John - 1896

[Chicago]: printed at the Auvergne Press by William H. Winslow and Chauncey L. Williams, 1896. First Edition. First Edition. Slim 8vo. Original red cloth, lettered in gilt. Only 65 Copies Printed, this Copy #12. Association Copy: Presented by the publishers W. H. Wilson and Chauncey Williams to the famed illustrator and designer, Will Bradley on front free fly: "To Mr. Will Bradley This Little Book, the first work of the Auvergne Press, December 20th, 1896." The intricate and highly interpretive title-page design and illustration is the first book illustration by Frank Lloyd Wright to appear in print, commissioned by the publishers for this book. In 1895, Wright had designed a uniquely Arts & Crafts home for Chauncey L. Williams. That same year Williams partnered with Washington Irving Way to form Way & Williams. Chauncey's cofounder at Auvergne, William Herman Wilson, lived kiddy-corner to Williams, and less than two miles from Wright's home and studio in Oak Park. Approaching the publication of this book, excitement was building as the centennial of Keats birth was arriving. The Auvergne Press was established in February 1896, with the charter to create hand printed, limited edition books. Winslow was more of the hands-on, press work member of the partnership, while Williams' experience lay rooted in publishing. Immediately thereafter, Auvergne published the renowned "House Beautiful" (1896-98). Although other books were planned, ìThe Eve of St. Agnes and "The House Beautiful" were the only two Winslow/Wright collaborations produced by the Auvergne Press. Near fine with clean covers, gilt on cover is bold, spine with gilt, slightly sunned. TEG, others untrimmed, hinges intact and entirely unworn. Title page slightly foxed, internally near fine. An incredibly important book, made more alluring by a wonderful association linking three luminous 1890's artist, publisher, and architect: Will Bradley, Chauncey Williams and Frank Lloyd Wright. The colophon reads: ìPrinted on a hand press by William H. Winslow & Chauncey L. Williams, for pleasure and their friends, at the Auvergne Press, River Forest, Illinois; and finished the 19th [in red ink] day of December [in red ink], 1896. This copy is number 12 [in red ink] of an edition of sixty-five copies, printed on hand-made paper. The title page of this little book is from a design especially made for it by Frank L. Wright. [below is the printed colophon woodcut for the press, ìAd Gustum Auvergne Pressî].