Conte de Maitre Espapidour. by [NONESUCH PRESS]. SARDA, Daniel. | Sophie Schneideman Rare Books and Prints

[NONESUCH PRESS]. SARDA, Daniel. ~ Conte de Maitre Espapidour.

London Printed by Vincent Brooks Day & Son, under the direction of the Nonesuch Press for Mrs Fern L. Bedaux of New York 1927

One of 500 copies. Lithographically printed in gold and colours on Japon vellum with the text surrounded by elaborately illuminated borders and with red printed initials and illuminated large initials, title printed in red. Pp. [16]. 8vo, original limp vellum with leather thongs, title printed in gilt on upper cover, largely unopened. A very good copy housed in a later folding chemise.

Not designed but only supervised in its technical production by Francis Meynell for the French-American management consultant Charles Bedaux and his wife Fern. Bedaux was a colourful character who advised companies on their productivity using the Bedaux System of Human Power Measurement. He was great friends with Edward Windsor and Wallis Simpson, hosting their wedding at his Chateau. Francis Meynell in his book ‘My Lives’ (p.211) says of Bedaux “He wanted desperately to perpetuate his name, and set out vainly on many expeditions to little explored lands in the hope of finding an unnamed river or mountain that he could cause to be called after him”. He eventually died in prison after the war, having been arrested for collaboration with the Nazis.

Dreyfus, The Nonesuch Press, 47a.

Stock ref: 11567

Keywords: Book, Illustrated, Printing Typography & Lettering, Private Press

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