A Fantasy
A SIGNED COPY OF TIMLIN'S FANTASTICAL TALE
The Ship That Sailed to Mars A Fantasy
Harrap, 1923.
First edition. One of only 2000 copies produced. This is a lavish production, measuring 31cm x 23cm. White vellum spine elaborately decorated in gilt, and grey paper covered boards lettered in dark grey. Protected by the original dustwrapper. This copy signed by the author on the title page and dated April 1930. The book is made up of sheets of grey art paper onto which are mounted forty-eight sumptuous colour plates, interspersed with sheets of calligraphic and poetic text also mounted onto art paper. A beautiful copy of the book in very near fine condition. The spine remains white and crisp, with none of the usual browning. There is light bumping to the corners and a bookseller's stamp to the front endpaper. The dustwrapper is in very good condition, with some slight chipping to the spine ends and corners and a repaired tear to the upper panel.
This glorious production, which began like so many tales as an entertainment for the author's son, was two years in the making and the result is a striking work of fantasy.
"Although it was difficult to believe, the Old Man had not always been old, and in his youth, he had said "I will go to Mars"...But those around him, Scientists and Astronomers some cried out in scorn" so begins the tale. The old man spends his working life in a dull and sleepy office, all the time dreaming and planning a trip to Mars. His dream becomes reality when the fairies he has long believed in come to his aid and together they design and build a flying ship. It is loaded with gifts for the inhabitants of Mars and provisions, including a cow to furnish them with fresh milk. The ship journeys to far flung planets, experiencing adventures and dangers along the way.
Most unusually this copy not only retains its original dustwrapper, but is the only signed copy we have encountered.
Stock ID: 31872
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