FOR W.H.SMITH ON HIS TWENTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY
Jeremy Taylor: A Selection From His Works Made by Martin Armstrong
Golden Cockerel Press, 1923.
First edition, one of 320 copies. 4to. Finely bound in full tan morocco by the W.H. Smith bindery, for the third W.H. Smith's twenty-first birthday. Raised bands and gilt lettering and decoration on the spine. Gilt ruled borders and flower motif to the panels, with a floral design, encompassing the date of Smith's 21st Birthday (25 July 1924) and the letters W.H.S., stamped in gilt on the upper cover. Bindery signature in gilt on the rear turn in. Top edge gilt. A fine copy, slight pushing to corners and some offsetting to endpapers.
W.H.Smith was the great grandson of the eponymous founder of the chain of stationers and newsagents. This binding was executed on behalf of his father, W.F.D. Smith, 2nd Viscount Hambleden, to give to his son for his twenty-first birthday.
The W.H.Smith & Sons bindery was run by Douglas Cockerell between 1904 and 1914. This binding is very much in the Cockerell style and was probably executed by an apprentice.
PROVENANCE: W.H.Smith, 3rd Viscount Hambleden.
Stock ID: 31381
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