GILL, Eric. GOLDEN COCKEREL PRESS. MATHERS, E. Powys. ~ Procreant Hymn.
No. 43 of 175 copies. 5 copper engravings by Eric Gill. With 4 additional loose signed engravings including no.6 of only 25 signed and numbered sets of ‘Three Alternative Designs’ (the more erotic versions of three of the engravings in the book) and the subscribers’ notice, and an additional signed erotic engraving (also numbered 6/25) which does not appear in any form in the book. 8vo., original white buckram with the original very delicate dust jacket (darkened with a couple of small tears). A very good copy inscribed by Eric Gill in ink on the front free endpaper with a hand drawn St Dominic’s sign “The Rev J. O’Connor from Eric Gill, June 1926”.
The words and the images appear as the defining text of Gill’s life - physical love as a gift from God. A beautiful book, elegantly printed by Gibbings and with sensual, delicate engravings by Gill.
Most unusually our copy has not only the 3 erotic alternative designs for the three of the engravings in the book but also an extra erotic engraving by Gill. In addition this copy is inscribed to Father John O’Connor who was the mentor to Gill, David Jones and the community at Ditchling as well as G.K. Chesterton, who immortalised him as Father Brown.
A remarkable copy.