PEPLER, Douglas. GILL, Eric. ~ The Devil’s Devices or Control versus Service.
6 wood cuts and 5 triangular devices by Eric Gill. Copy no.71 of 200 numbered “proof” copies, signed by Eric Gill and Douglas Pepler. 12mo., original quarter smooth canvas with red paper covered pictorial boards, with Dumb Driven Cattle by Gill on the upper cover, a little rubbing and fading to the boards and mild spotting to endpapers, otherwise a good and bright copy.
Seen as the precursor to the S. Dominic’s Press with its early Gill engraving and close collaboration between Gill and Pepler.
At the time this book was published, Pepler worked for the London County Council and was the organiser of the first school meals service in London. The Devil’s Devices, a sociological satire, reflect his social concerns at the time and reflects on wealth and capitalism with some very interesting use of page design and printing.
Printed at the Westminster Press, 441a Harrow Road, just down from our current shop.