The Bookplate Designs of Austin Osman Spare.

Ansell, R.

Published by Bookplate Society in association with Keridwen Press, first edition, 1988, 1988

About this Item

Limited edition of 500 copies, this being one of 300 numbered copies for the Bookplate Society. Laminated wrappers with flaps, 8vo, 21 cm, 35 pp, ills. From the introduction: "This brief work attempts to illuminate a shadowy and enigmatic character. The scant references that can be found Io his life and works serve only to obscure and confuse and as a result little is known of this recluse and eccentric. For many people the first contact with Austin Osman Spare is through one of his bookplate designs However, he was much more than a designer of ex-libris: he was an artist who became in 1904 the youngest ever exhibitor at the Royal Academy and was lauded by some of the most respected figures of his day; a publisher of rare editions, writing, illustrating and financing his own works, the first of which was published when he was only eighteen; and a sorcerer of the highest order who devised his own system of "Magick" and was denounced by Aleisler Crowley as a "black brother". It is not my intention to give a definitive account of his life, but I hope that this essay will prompt the unfamiliar reader Io investigate further, and provide for those who already know Spare s work an extension of interest." Elegant bookplate on front inside wrapper, Near Fine in Very Good dustwrapper. Seller Inventory # ABE-58591

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Bookplate Designs of Austin Osman Spare.

Publisher: Bookplate Society in association with Keridwen Press, first edition, 1988

Publication Date: 1988

Binding: Soft cover

Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included

Edition: 1st Edition