 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The News Archive contains all the News articles that have been published on the Jonkers web site. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
GIFT IDEAS AND DELIVERY DETAILS |
February 1, 2010 |
|
We have a wide range of books and artwork which make wonderful and unique presents.
GENERAL GIFT IDEAS click here.
CHRISTENINGS: one of the following would make an ideal gift click here.
We would also be delighted to come up with some tailor made suggestions to fit your requirements, please email info@jonkers.co.uk or phone 01491 576427. We are a small company and frequently receive compliments on our informed and efficient service. Please feel free to ring us or visit our shop in Henley on Thames.
DELIVERY: Delivery for most items will be £5 by Royal Mail or, if requested, £8 by courier (UK mainland). Overseas postage charges will be confirmed on receipt of order. Price for an average size book via airmail is £10 / courier price approx. £40.
|
|
|
|
|
|
RECEIVE EMAIL UPDATES OF LATEST ACQUISITIONS AND OFFERS |
November 17, 2009 |
|
Every few weeks we send out illustrated emails containing news and examples of our most recent acquistions.
If you would like to receive our emails, please enter your email address in the box below.
| Sign Up for email Updates | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
WE ARE VERY PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE PURCHASE OF AN ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT BY CHARLES DICKENS |
August 5, 2009 |
|
This original handwritten story covers four pages and includes many changes and alterations. It still has with it its posting envelope and a signed covering letter from Dickens. The story entitled "The Sanatorium" was written in 1842 and this original manuscript was given by Dickens as a gift to his friend, Thomas Chapman. The manuscript has been beautifully preserved in a fine full red morocco binding. It is very rare to see original manuscripts of Dicken's writings outside of museums, so we are delighted to be able to display this work here in Henley. The manuscript is priced at £45,000. |
|
|
|
|
|
THE BEAUTIFUL BOOK ILLUSTRATIONS OF EDMUND DULAC (1882 – 1953) |
August 28, 2008 |
|
Born and brought up in Toulouse, Dulac moved to England in 1905 hoping to find a wider outlet for his paintings. The publishing house Hodder and Stoughton were seeking a new talent to illustrate books in the gift book market and the Leicester galleries recommended they look at the work of the young artist. A luxurious version of the Arabian Nights was planned for the Christmas of 1907 and Dulac was commissioned to provide 50 watercolours to accompany the tales. To coincide with the book’s launch the Leicester Galleries hosted an exhibition of the 50 watercolours featured. The paintings are very atmospheric, with Dulac’s trademark starry skies and their beauty confirmed the artists place among the most sought after illustrators of this age of the great gift book. The paintings for the Arabian Nights marked the beginning of a period often referred to as the “blue period”, out of which came most of the artist’s greatest work . Gift books from this period, include Fairy Tales from Hans Andersen, Sleeping Beauty and a dreamy version of Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat. Over the years Dulac became progressively interested in the art of the Far East and his book illustrations for later books such as Sindbad and Princess Badoura have a distinctly Oriental feel.
Please click here to view a selection of books with illustrations by Dulac
|
|
|
|
|
|
WILLY POGANY AND HIS GIFT BOOKS (1882 - 1955) |
August 1, 2007 |
|
Hungarian born artist, Willy Pogany moved to London where he was commissioned, by George Harrap, to produce his first gift book, The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Pogany did not limit is illustration to producing atmospheric watercolours to accompany the text, but provided elaborate designs for the covers, page decorations, intricate and detailed line drawings, as well as carefully draughted calligraphic text. Between 1909 -1914 he produced some of his most famous, important and long-lasting works - The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Tannhauser, Parsifal and Lohengrin. The war brought a decrease in the production of these elaborate gift books and Pogany moved to America to continue his career as an illustrator and set designer. Here he began to use bolder, more vibrant colours and the influence of art deco becomes apparent in his work. In 1930 he provided a new set of illustrations to Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat, this book though very different from his original version is equally beautifully produced and designed. Pogany's books are a delight to handle and it is easy to see why they remain so popular with collectors of beautiful books.
Please click here to view a selection of Willy Pogany books
|
|
|
|
|
|
BEATRIX POTTER AND THE WARNE FAMILY |
May 30, 2007 |
|
 We are delighted to offer for sale a collection of books, cards and autograph letters belonging to the Warne family, publishers of Beatrix Potters little books. Fruing Warne oversaw the production of Miss Potter’s books and his daughters, Winifred and Eveline, became close to Beatrix Potter over the years that she wrote her little tales for children. In fact, Winifred was the owner of the dolls house featured in The Tale of Two Bad Mice and also the person to whom the book was dedicated. Passed down by family descent we are now able to bring some fascinating picture letters and family owned books to the market for the first time.
Full details of the books and letters can be obtained by contacting Sam or Christiaan Jonkers by email or on 01491 576427.
The Warne family items will be displayed as part of a larger collection of books, letters and artwork by Beatrix Potter on stand 38 at the Olympia Antiquarian Bookfair.
|
|
|
|
|
|
FEATURED IN THE FINANCIAL TIMES |
February 2, 2007 |
|
 Jonkers are pleased to announce the acquisition of possibly the most significant existing copy of a printed book from the twentieth century. James Joyce’s Ulysses revolutionised the two hundred year old art form of the novel, and is critically regarded as the book of the century. This particular copy is inscribed by Joyce to his brother, to whom Joyce was extremely close and was a considerable support and literary influence to Joyce. It was bound in full chocolate morocco for the recipient. It is likely to be one of the very first copies of the book that Joyce handled and dated 11 February 1922, is the earliest existing presentation copy.
A brochure giving full details of the writing and publication of Ulysses as well as the history and sigificance of this particular copy, has been produced in an edition of 100 copies. These are available at a cost of £10 and can be ordered by clicking here.
Alternatively to download the brocure in pdf form, click here. |
|
|
|
|
|
FEATURED IN THE FINANCIAL TIMES |
December 2, 2006 |
|
Please click here to see details of the original drawing for The House at Pooh Corner featured in this Saturday's Financial Times.
For a full selection of illustrative artwork, including work by Golden Age artists such as Warwick Goble, Jessie M King and Ida Outhwaite plus images from famous children's books such as Wind in the Willows, The House at Pooh Corner, Noddy and the tales of Beatrix Potter, please click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
FEATURED IN THE FINANCIAL TIMES |
October 7, 2006 |
|
THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT
This month our advert in the Financial Times feature one of the most important and influencial children's books of the twentieth century. A pdf brocure with full details of this book can be downloaded by clicking here.
To view our full listing of Beatrix Potter items, including first editions, artwork and autograph letters please click here |
|
|
|
|
|
ERROL LE CAIN - ILLUSTRATOR |
May 15, 2006 |
|
1941-1989
Errol John Le Cain was born and brought up in the Far East, spending his childhood in Singapore and India. Images from this time in his life permeate his illustrations, which are frequently highly decorative, and vibrant with luminous colour. Le Cain started his career as a book illustrator in 1968, with his first picture book – King Arthur’s Sword, which was one of only a few which he wrote as well as illustrated. It appears that he was most content illustrating books written by others, or giving his own interpretation of classic fairy tales, such as Cinderella (1971), Thorn Rose (1975), and Beauty and the Beast (1979). He once wrote “The first task of an illustrator is to be in full sympathy with the writer. No matter how splendid and exciting the drawings may be, if they work against the story the picture book is a failure” (Illustrators of Children’s Books, by Bertha Mahoney). He obviously believed in what he said, as his work is always representative of the arts and legends of whichever story he is illustrating. His illustrations are usually vividly coloured and full of detail, and his frequent use of decorative borders shows his natural affinity for page design.
After twice being runner up for the Kate Greenaway Medal , he finally won with Hiawatha’s Childhood in 1985.
Please click here to view a selection of Errol Le Cain books
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
T.S. ELIOT - PRESENTATION COPIES FROM THE PRIVATE LIBRARY OF ELIOT’S PUBLISHER AND HIS GODSON |
October 23, 2005 |
|
Jonkers are pleased to announce the acquisition of possibly the most exciting group of T. S. Eliot first editions to become available in recent years. The collection consists of five significant works from the library of his Godson, Thomas Faber, son of Eliot’s publisher, colleague and friend, Geoffrey Faber.
Thomas Stearns Eliot (1888-1965), poet, critic and editor, has been hailed as one of the key modernist poets of the twentieth century, and is probably best known for The Waste Land (1923), and Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats (1939).
Geoffrey Faber of the publishing firm Faber & Gwyer (later Faber & Faber) met Eliot in the spring of 1923, and recruited him as the company’s literary editor. The relationship that developed between them went far beyond that of mere business acquaintances. Geoffrey’s son, Thomas, became Eliot’s godson, and they maintained a lifelong rapport as friends and confidantes. On Tom's fourth birthday Eliot sent him the first of a series of correspondence about cats, which went on to form the basis for Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. Items offered for sale include The Dedication Copy of Practical Cats; a first edition of The Wasteland, inscribed to Geoffrey Faber; a copy of Faber news, which introduces Cat Morgan; one of a tiny number of privately produced copies of Portrait of a Lady; plus Faber's own copy of Murder in the Cathedral.
Click here to view the T.S Eliot/ Faber items |
|
|
|
|
|
JONKERS NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST ANTIQUARIAN BOOKSHOPS IN THE COUNTRY |
July 9, 2005 |
|
An article in the Saturday Independent on the '50 Best Places to Buy Antiques', has named Jonkers amongst the ten best antiquarian bookshops in the country. The piece comments on the "floor to ceiling bookcases packed with a fine selection of antiquarian books...One of the best in the country."
Click here to see full piece. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEW CATALOGUE |
August 2, 2004 |
|
 CHILDREN'S AND ILLUSTRATED BOOKS
Summer time usually means the production of a specialist Children's book catalogue and this year's full colour 52 page offering is packed full with nearly 400 recently acquired gems. There is something for everyone with about half the items under £100, and strong sections of Quentin Blake, Henty, Biggles, Jessie King, Milne and Rackham, as well as highlights such as fine first editions of Swallows & Amazons, Detmold's Arabian Nights, Mary Poppins and Charlotte's Web. Illustrated throughout with over 200 colour photographs.
The catalogue is available for £8 including postage, or free from our shop or at the fairs (subject to availablity). Please click here to order your copy.
Click here to view the catalogue online (black and white)
For details of other recent catalogues, please click here |
|
|
|
|
|
NEW CATALOGUE |
May 28, 2004 |
|
 A sprightly miscellany of 84 recent acquisitions to be exhibited at the June fairs. Illustrated throughout in full colour. Items include a George Eliot holograph manuscript, the first Biggles book in a fine dustwrapper, a fine copy of James Joyces Dubliners, a selection of Beatrix Potter, two inscribed R.L.Stevenson’s one to his mother and one to Andrew Lang and Swallows and Amazons in its rare dustwrapper. The catalogue is available for £5 including postage, or free from our shop or at the fairs (subject to availablity). Please click here to order your copy.
Click here to view the catalogue online
For details of other recent catalogues, please click here |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GEORGE ORWELL HIS LIFE AND WORK |
February 15, 2004 |
|
Eric Arthur Blair was born in Bengal on 25 June 1903. The following year he and his mother moved to England and bought a house in Henley on Thames. In his early years Orwell attended Sunnylands School in Henley, and later an Eastbourne boarding school. His family home remained in Henley until 1921, although between 1912 and 1915 they live at a house in nearby Shiplake.
Orwell then attended Eton College, where he began his writing career with contributions to the school magazine. Instead of going to university Orwell joined the Indian Imperial Police and served in Burma for 5 years.
On his return to England he began his journalism career in earnest, with articles appearing in both English and French newspapers. During the next few years Orwell started to research the way the poor lived. This research was to provide the foundation for his first book, “Down and Out in Paris and London”. Orwell was embarrassed to put his name to the book and suggested it be published under the pseudonym of George Orwell. The book appeared for the first time in January 1933.
The author’s first novel “Burmese Days”, for which he had difficulty finding a publisher due to its political content, a criticism of British Imperialism, was published in 1934.
After writing another two novels, “Keep the Aspidistra Flying “and “A Clergyman’s Daughter”, Orwell worked on what he described as a “sort of book of essays”. The book describes his journey through the poor areas of the Midlands and the North of England. During his research he stayed with local miners and in a rented room above a tripe shop. His discoveries were published in 1937 in “The Road to Wigan Pier”.
In 1936 Orwell enlisted in the Workers Party of Marxist Unification and went to fight in the Spanish Civil War. During this time he was shot in the throat and forced to spend some time convalescing. During this convalescence he completed what he considered to be his best book, “Homage to Catalonia”.
Orwell was blighted with ill health, suffering from Tuberculosis, and after one particularly bad bout which left him laid up, he started work on his next novel. “It will not be about politics, and it will be about a man who is having a holiday and trying to make a temporary escape from responsibility “. Published in 1939 “Coming Up for Air” was published by Gollancz, in a print run of 2000 copies. The limited print run and the following war made the first printings of the book extremely rare. Orwell noted that the book, “had been blitzed out of existence, so thoroughly that in order to get a copy from which to reset it we had to steal one from a public library”.
During the next few years Orwell’s journalism work became much busier including regular work for the BBC, where he worked in the real “room 101”, broadcasting British War Propaganda.
In 1945 Orwell wrote what has gone on to be considered a seminal work, Animal Farm. When questioned about the book Orwell’s response was, “I do not wish to comment on the work: if it does not speak for itself, it is a failure.”
As if the contribution of George Orwell to 20th century literature were not already great enough his final novel went on to provide us with another of the greatest books of the century. Published in 1949 the ground breaking, “Nineteen Eighty-Four”, warned of the possible dangers of propaganda and state control. The book has provided us with not one, but a whole host of descriptive phrases which have slipped into the English language’s every day usage.
Months after seeing Nineteen Eighty-Four in print Orwell died of Tuberculosis. He is buried at Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire.
A selection of Orwell’s books can be viewed both here on the website and in our Henley showroom.
Click here to view our stock of George Orwell first editions |
|
|
|
|
|
BEAUTIFUL BOOKS - The Illustrated Gift Book of the Golden Age |
November 25, 2003 |
|
 Quality, not quantity is the key with our latest catalogue, but what quality. A collection of forty-four superb illustrated books by fifteen different illustrators from the 'Golden Age', mainly limited editions in superb condition, many with the original box or slipcase. The catalogue illustrated in full colour with each book pictured and many plates illustrated. Highlights include Nielsen's East of the Sun, West of the Moon limited edition, fine in slipcase. A vellucent binding by Jessie M King. Rackham limited edition with original drawing.
The catalogue is available at £10 to include postage. Please click here to order your copy. Illustrated Books Golden Age Illustrators Harry Clarke Detmold Edmund Dulac Rubaiyat Kay Nielsen East of the Sun Rackham Harry Rountree Jessie King vellucent binding illuminated Arabian Nights Deluxe Vellum Signed Limited Editions tipped in plates illustrations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CATALOGUE NINETEEN - CHILDREN'S & ILLUSTRATED BOOKS |
August 22, 2003 |
|
 A selection of Children's and Illustrated books from first a edition of Alice in Wonderland to the first Mumfie. Illustrated throughout, it offers a selection of 190 delightful items including picture books, children's classics and original artwork. The catalogue is available for £5 including postage. Please click here to order your copy.
Click here to view Catalogue Nineteen online |
|
|
|
|
|
CATALOGUE EIGHTEEN |
July 30, 2003 |
|
 The catalogue contains 128 fine and rare items and is profusely illustrated in full colour throughout. Items include two exceptional watercolours by Beatrix Potter. Evelyn Waugh's Officers & Genltlemen inscribed to Graham Greene. Rackham's Peter Pan in original dustwrapper. A fine copy of Jane Austen's Emma, uncut in early boards and a specially bound limited edition of Rackham's Midsummer Night's Dream with a full page drawing by the artist.
The catalogue is available for £8 including postage. Please click here to order your copy, |
|
|
|
|
|
AUTHORS & ILLUSTRATORS: JESSIE M. KING |
July 29, 2003 |
|
Jessie M King Jessie King Glasgow School illustrator artwork pottery
Jessie Marion King was the fourth daughter born to a cleric’s family in a Glasgow suburb. Against the wishes of her parents, she enrolled in the Glasgow school of Art at the age of 17 where she was taught with Charles Rennie Mackintosh and heavily influenced by Art Nouveau and the developing ‘Glasgow Style’.
Illustrating over 100 books she has been described as the ‘most important Scottish illustrator of the Twentieth Century’ (Colin White).
.jpg) The design for L’Evangile de L’enfance (1894) was one of the pieces that brought King into the public eye. Displayed at the 1902 Turin Exhibition, this binding won King the gold medal for book design.
.jpg) King went on to design a beautiful vellucent binding for The Story of Rosalynde in 1902 for Cedric Chivers. The book is bound in full vellum with intricate designs to both covers and spine in ink and water-colour. The main image depicts two graceful knights in armour kneeling at the foot of an immense rose tree. The binding is heightened by gilt lines and an inverted Mother of Pearl heart shaped inlay. Completed in the period when Jessie was both student and teacher at the Glasgow School of Art this work is typical of the high quality detailed designs she produced in the early 1900’s.
.jpg) During this time Jessie also produced numerous intricate line drawings displaying an impressive capturing of shadows and fine detail. Dwellings of An Old World Town (1909), comprising of drawings of Culcross and Fifeshire, is typical of the style of books she had published at this time.
 As her work developed, King began to use a gentler style. An example of this can be seen in The Studio (1913) which contains King’s popular Christmas Supplement Seven Happy Days. The colours used for this are lovely pastel shades all highlighted with glints of silver or gold. The book also contains eight line drawings with the same very delicate beauty.
.jpg) At the start of World War 1, after spending seven years living in Paris, King and her husband, EA Taylor, decided to move back to Scotland. They settled in Kirkudbright where many of her famous drawings are set. Having illustrated books on Glasgow and Edinburgh, King now began work on Kircudbright A Royal Burgh (1934). With pictorial Japon wrappers, the book contains 18 black and white detailed line drawings and illustrates the beauty of the town. King writes in her foreword:
‘Perhaps it is only the hand of the artist that can save for the future the beauty in danger of being demolished and it lies with the fraternity to see that the romance of this old world town set in her historic stones does not become entirely a thing of the past.’
.jpg) As King’s popularity grew after World War 1, she ceased producing gossamer drawings and began work with new materials such as batik, pottery and jewellery. In her book How Cinderella was Able to go the Ball, Cinderella is forced to make her own batik gown. The process of how this was executed is illustrated beautifully in vibrant colours throughout.
Click here to view our stock of Jessie M King’s work |
|
|
|
|
|
