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First Edition. Offered here is the finest "Bradley, His Book" collection we have seen in 40 years, with an extra fine set of the seven volumes, as well as the rare 8th issue, in the original uncompleted form, which one never finds. Five of the seven have original mailing envelopes (one of which is glassine for July number, the others paper). As well, the collection includes another fine copy of Vol. One, A PROOF COPY, and a true one-of-a-kind, being inscribed by Will Bradley on the dedication page: "One of the first five copies of magazines, April 29, '96. Will Bradley." The contents of the proof copy were never sewn into the wraps (as is the case with the standard issue, and the following distinctive points obtain: the proof copy has no "published at springfield, mass," which appears in red at the bottom of the cover wraps in the standard issue; the proof copy has no "Copyright, 1896, by Will Bradley," which appears at the bottom of the title page. The proof copy has all the conjugate leaves, except for the first three, all of which are advertisements, which is likely because the advertising materials were not complete at the time of the assembly, and the text printing having taken priority. The collection further includes: a bright proof copy of the cover of Vol. One, printed on light weight coated paper, with no printing on back; a four page illustrated prospectus October number; June and August prospectuses and subscription blank. In January 1896, Will Bradley formed the small Wayside Press in Springfield, Massachusetts. One of his most ambitious projects was the publication of Bradley: His Book. In the prospectus, Bradley describes it as: ìa little magazine of interesting reading, interspersed with various bits of art, and privately printed at the Wayside Press[,] Springfield, Mass.î Contributors to the first issue included prior collaborators Nixon Waterman and Harriet Monroe. The first issue was also dominated by advertisements created by Bradley for past clients, such as the Michigan Stove Company, American Type Founders, and Ault and Wiborg. All 10,000 copies of the issue sold out before it was published. Bradley produced 25,000 copies of a more text-heavy second issue in June. He also included a greater number of illustrations from other artists, such as William Morris and Aubrey Beardsley. The letter from Bradley to Roy L. McCardell shown here foreshadows the difficulties to come: ìMy only excuse for not writing is that of late I have more to attend to than I can manage.î [University of Delaware] Housed in nice folding case and another in custom made folders. A finer, more comprehensive set, replete with rarities, one could not hope for. Seller Inventory # 6468
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