GOLDEN COCKEREL PRESS. BUCKLAND WRIGHT, JOHN. ~ Pervigilium Veneris. The Vigil of Venus.
Translation by F.L. Lucas. One of only 100 numbered copies, printed for subscribers, this no. 39. 18 original copper engravings by John Buckland Wright being a combination of pure line-engraving and tints etched using the sugar-aquatine method. Large 4to., original full citron morocco Sangorski & Sutcliffe binding with a frieze of cockerels tooled in blind around the top and bottom of the whole binding, spine lettered in blind, housed in the original brown cloth slipcase. Some spotting to the binding, otherwise a very good, crisp copy.
A beautiful and very limited edition. The process used gives an intensity to Buckland Wright’s gently erotic engravings. The text with its superbly balanced refrain “Cras amet qui numquam amavit, quique amavit cras amet” (Loveless hearts shall love tomorrow, hearts that have loved shall love once more) is printed in both English and Latin on opposite pages.
The smallest total limitation of any Golden Cockerel Press title.
Our copy has a calligraphic presentation inscription on the first blank to Sir Francis Samuelson from the Members of the and the Chief Officials to the Tees Conservancy Commission, Board Room, Middlesborough. In light of the illustrations and subject matter this was quite a bold choice.