GIBBINGS, Robert.GOLDEN COCKEREL PRESS. ~ True Historie of Lucian the Samosatenian. Translated from the Greek into English by Francis Hickes with an Introduction by J.S. Phillimore... Together with the Greek.
Dramatically illustrated throughout with woodcuts by Robert Gibbings. No.161 of 275 numbered copies. Printed in Caslon Old Face with the Greek text arranged as a border. Folio, a very good copy bound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe in original quarter niger morocco, spine, with raised bands, lettered in gilt, grey-green canvas boards, t.e.g., others uncut. Spine with some marks, otherwise a very good, bright copy.
The footnote to Chanticleer 53 reads: “Whether or not of a progressive format, this is a very beautiful book”. In fact the use of illustration arranged as a large border around the main English text is both beautiful and a tool which imbues the story with high drama.
The story is remarkable - a tale of the voyage of Lucas and his encounters with many strange beings - women sprouting vines, giant fleas, men with cork feet who walk on seas of salt and azure, islands of cheese with graphes and milk.